Currently, polycrystalline solar PV cells are all the rage. Even though they have a slightly lower efficiency (about 16%) as compared to monocrystalline cells which can have efficiencies upto 18%, many companies cost polycrystalline as they cost cheaper. Is this trend likely to change in the future?

Why do mono cells cost more?

"Despite their high costs, Monocrystalline PV solar energy panels have been the first choice for many years, and are among the oldest, most efficient, and most dependable technologies. Each module is made from a single silicon crystal, and is more efficient per sq. meter of land area, though more expensive than the newer and cheaper polycrystalline modules.

Monocrystalline photovoltaic cells are generally considered the workhorses of the solar power market, and most people will choose them due to their ready availability. These panels are easily identifiable, made of uniformly stacked rounded cells. Because they�re made of just one crystal, not multiple crystals fused together, the process of manufacturing them is one of the most complex and costly processes. That means every panel will cost more than in the case of polycrstalline PV cells." (Source: EAI Blog)

I did a bit of checking around in this context with a number of system integrators and they are all unanimous in their opinion that polycrystalline will rule for the foreseeable future. And looking at the trends in capacity addition for the major cell manufacturers worldwide, it does appear that poly will indeed be the face of solar cells for a long time to come.

What are your thoughts in this?

Here is a link that might be useful: solar cells