Driving around your neighborhood or city, you may see homes with solar panels. Most panels are probably black; maybe some are blue. How panels will look on your roof may or may not matter to you, but are there differences beyond looks?
This article dives into those differences and how they affect solar panel performance so you can make the right decision for your home.
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Is There a Difference Between Black and Blue Solar Panels?
Thanks to the differences between black and blue solar panels, nearly all solar panels put on residential roofs today are black.
Modern photovoltaic (PV) panels use silicon, one of the most effective semiconductor elements that can absorb sunlight and convert it into an electric charge. The color you see depends on how the manufacturer used silicon in the manufacturing process and how that particular type of panel reacts to light.
- Black: monocrystalline silicon (aka single-crystal silicon, mono c-Si, or mono-Si)
- Blue: polycrystalline silicon (aka semi-crystalline silicon, polysilicon, poly-Si, or simply "poly")
Some panels also appear blue because the manufacturer applied an anti-reflective coating to improve how well they absorb light and generate electricity. Just keep in mind the color is the natural result of the way the panels are manufactured, and they’re not just painted or dyed a specific color.
Read more: Colored Solar Panels: Are Black and Blue the Only Options?
Black backsheets vs white backsheets
Once the silicon crystals are manufactured, they are adhered to a backsheet in a grid pattern. This backsheet can be seen through the gaps between the cells and impacts the panel’s appearance.
Black backsheets create a more uniform look to the solar panel, which helps it blend in with darker roofs. However, black backsheets hold more heat and can get hotter than traditional white backsheets. That said, the tradeoff in efficiency may be worth it for a more visually appealing solar installation.
Monocrystalline Silicon Makes Solar Panels Black
Manufacturers use high-quality silicon crystals to create monocrystalline solar cells. During the production process, the silicon arranges itself in a single direction to form one large crystal. Because of this, the cells appear black.
Two production factors make black monocrystalline panels more expensive than polycrystalline panels.
- Forming a single large crystal uses more energy than creating the polycrystalline version.
- The process wastes silicon as the large crystal is sliced wafer-thin to get the right size and shape for the PV panel.
However, the increased costs are worth it to many people because monocrystalline solar cell panels are more efficient than polycrystalline solar cell panels. This is why nearly all residential solar panels used now are monocrystalline.
Polycrystalline Silicon Makes Solar Panels Blue
In the polycrystalline production process, silicon crystals are melted down, poured into a square mold, and then cooled to form polycrystalline solar cells. This process creates many separate crystals with a blue appearance.
The multiple crystals in the formation process create less silicon waste and require less energy than the monocrystalline process. It makes blue solar panels less expensive, but it also means blue panels are less efficient.
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Black Panels Are Normally the Best for Home Solar
Black solar panels absorb light and generate electricity more efficiently than blue solar panels. Since you need fewer panels to generate the same amount of electricity, black panels are usually less expensive in the long run and use less roof space.
The latest generation of monocrystalline solar panels lasts longer than previous models. They also perform better in warmer temperatures and in low light conditions than blue panels. Even though electricity generation slowly decreases over time, the panels will still generate plenty of energy for their 25-year average lifetime, and often even longer.
The cost of monocrystalline panels is coming down as black panels are the nearly universal option for residential use now.
Can I Choose Which Color Solar Panel to Use?
You can research the panel you think is best for your home and determine which solar installer uses that panel, but it’s usually best to work with an installer you trust and go with their preferred panel.
Remember the following information when comparing blue vs black solar panels.
- Black solar panels are more efficient because monocrystalline silicon captures sunlight more efficiently than the polycrystalline variety.
- Blue solar panels are usually less expensive than black solar panels, but the lifetime savings may be lower.
If you’re thinking about going solar, estimate your solar savings for free, or contact Palmetto to learn how solar energy can help you power your home more efficiently and affordably.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why are solar panels different colors?
Solar panels are different colors because of how silicon is used in the manufacturing process and how the solar cells appear in the sunlight.
Are monocrystalline or polycrystalline solar panels better?
For most residential uses, black monocrystalline solar panels are better. They are more efficient in a wider range of conditions making them the better long-term investment.
How do I choose the best solar panel for my home?
It’s best to work with a trusted, experienced solar company. An expert will help you find the right panels and overall system design for your property, energy needs, and finances.
Andrew GiermakWriter and EditorAndrew joined Palmetto in Charlotte in August 2024. He’s been a writer in journalism, then in business, going back to almost the 20th century. He’s lived in Indiana, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Virginia again, and now North Carolina for the last 12 years. He likes golf. Is he good at it? Not so much.
