Quick Answer
Monocrystalline solar panels generally have an efficiency of 18-22%, while polycrystalline solar panels have an efficiency of 15-19%. This means that for the same amount of sunlight, monocrystalline panels produce more electricity than polycrystalline panels.
Efficiency Comparison
When choosing between monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels for EV Level 2 charging, efficiency is a crucial factor. A 1% increase in efficiency can translate to an additional 2-3 kWh of electricity per day, assuming 6 hours of direct sunlight. For a typical EV charger, this means an extra 10-15 miles of driving range per day.
Cost vs Efficiency Trade-off
Polycrystalline solar panels are generally cheaper to produce and purchase than monocrystalline panels. However, their lower efficiency means they require a larger surface area to produce the same amount of electricity. To achieve the same charging capacity, a polycrystalline panel array would need to be 10-20% larger than a monocrystalline panel array, increasing installation costs.
Real-world Example
Consider a typical EV owner who wants to charge their vehicle for 4 hours per day. Assuming 6 hours of direct sunlight, a 400W monocrystalline solar panel can produce 320 kWh per day, while a 400W polycrystalline solar panel might produce 280 kWh per day. This translates to an extra 40 miles of driving range per day with the monocrystalline panel, assuming a 4-mile-per-kWh efficiency.
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