Solar Cell Comparison

Mono crystalline

Polycrystalline

Amorphous

CdTe

CIS/CIGS

Typical module efficiency

15-20%

13-16%

6-8%

9-11%

10-12%

Best research cell efficiency

25.00%

20.40%

13.40%

18.70%

20.40%

Area required for 1 kWp

6-9 m2

8-9 m2

13-20 m2

11-13 m2

9-11 m2

Typical length of warranty

25 years

25 years

10-25 years

Lowest price

0.75 $/W

0.62 $/W

0.69 $/W

Temperature resistance

Performance drops 10-15% at high temperatures

Less temperature resistant than monocrystalline

Tolerates extreme heat

Relatively low impact on performance