How much does it cost to install monocrystalline solar panels?

Reviewed by Cristina Miguelez remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

Solar panels help your home use less energy, making them affordable to run. They capture energy from the sun’s rays and convert it to usable energy to run your household lights and appliances. You can use them to power a few things or go completely off-grid.

One of the most efficient solar panels is monocrystalline. These panels have cells made with single pieces of silicone. They come in a few types but can be thinner, lower, and more efficient than polycrystalline panels.

The national average cost range to install monocrystalline solar panels is $5,000 to $8,400, with most people spending around $6,500 for 10 installed PERC 350-watt monocrystalline solar panels on a roof. This project’s low cost is $3,500 to install 10 traditional 250-watt monocrystalline solar panels. The high cost is $9,600 for 10 installed bifacial 400-watt monocrystalline solar panels.

Monocrystalline Solar Panel Price

Monocrystalline Panel Price per Watt

Monocrystalline is priced by the watt, with standard costs of between $0.60 and $1.20 per watt. Installed, this becomes a total cost of $1.10 to $2.40 per watt. Most solar cells are sold with watts between 250 and 400, with a few types available in smaller or larger sizes for specific uses, such as powering an RV or commercial building. Most people need between 3,000 and 5,000 kilowatts to power their home. People who are going off-grid typically need more than 7,000 kW. Below is the average cost per watt in varying sizes, from small single-use panels to the wattage required for most homes.

Monocrystalline Panel Price by Type

Monocrystalline panels are made of cells formed from a single silicon crystal. This makes them different from other types that may use other materials or fragments of silicon crystals. Three basic monocrystalline panel types are used regularly - traditional, PERC, and bifacial. Traditional cells are also known as Mono-Si or mono-silicon crystal. PERC, passivated emitter and rear contact cells, are more efficient because they can produce more energy. Bifacial can produce energy from both sides, making them attractive for ground-mounted installations.

Most people use Mono-Si or PERC panels on their homes with a roof installation. All types can give you some of the best efficiencies on the market for energy production. Below are the costs of these types per panel uninstalled.

Mono-Si Panels

The cost of traditional Mono-Si panels is $150 to $240 per panel. These were the first monocrystalline panels and are still produced today. When looking for smaller panels for a single-use or an RV, this is the most common type. You can also find this option for some home installations, but they tend to be bigger, heavier, and less efficient. These cells are made from single silicon crystals. They waste a lot of silicon in their production, so they are not as sustainable or easy to produce as other panels.

PERC Cells

The cost of a solar panel with PERC cells ranges from $300 to $500 per panel. This is a type of monocrystalline panel with a special layer inside called a passivation layer. This layer prevents the panel’s back from heating. The sun’s rays bounce off this layer, so they end up encountering more of the energy-producing cells. This means they generate up to 5% more energy than traditional monocrystalline. This is a good investment if you need smaller panels or have limited space because you can use fewer cells to get the same power.

Bifacial Solar Panels

The cost of bifacial solar panels averages $300 to $500 per panel. This panel type has cells on both faces, meaning the panel could be mounted on a movable pole to collect more energy throughout the day. They are not designed for roofs because they need sunlight to catch both sides. They are more common for ground installations in larger settings. They require considerable space to operate, so most homeowners need an unused large and clear area.

Monocrystalline Solar Panel Efficiency

Monocrystalline solar panels are the most efficient. They have an average efficiency of roughly 20%, with a full efficiency range from 17% to 22%, depending on the type. PERC monocrystalline panels have the highest efficiency, but even standard Mono-Si panels are more efficient than thin film or polycrystalline. This is because the panels are made of cells using a single crystal. Electrons flow more easily through this single crystal, boosting efficiency.

Solar efficiency can also be impacted by other things. These include the angle the panels are installed at and how much sun you get in your area. Homeowners in sunny areas likely find their system more efficient than those with many trees or heavy shade. Some companies produce panels designed to work better in the shade, but these factors need to be considered when looking at the solar system’s efficiency.

Labor Costs to Install Monocrystalline Panels

Labor costs to install monocrystalline panels are no different from installing another type. They typically cost between $0.50 and $1.20 per watt to install. This means the average panel costs between $125 to $480 in labor. For a 10-panel installation, labor costs roughly $1,250 to $4,800. Installation costs vary by factors like the roof pitch, surface material, and panel angle.

Monocrystalline Solar Panel Installation Cost by Brand

Many reputable brands make monocrystalline solar panels. Most solar-panel-producing companies produce one monocrystalline panel because it is so efficient. Some companies specialize in smaller panels for RVs and campers, with a few larger ones that can be used on homes. Others focus on providing high-efficiency panels for residential use only. Below are some of the popular brands and the cost to install 10 panels per brand. These costs include the panels, labor, and other necessary components.

Renogy Monocrystalline Solar Panel

The cost to install 10 Renogy monocrystalline solar panels averages $5,000 to $10,600. This includes inverters, labor, brackets, and other necessary components. Renogy primarily makes smaller panels designed for single-use projects. They also make a line that can be installed on RVs, campers, and camping equipment. They make some larger panels that can be used on homes, but these are more limited. Their residential options use PERC technology, making them efficient.

LG Monocrystalline Solar Panels

The cost of 10 LG monocrystalline solar panels installed ranges from $6,900 to $11,040. This includes all necessary components, including inverters and brackets. Costs vary depending on the roof pitch and how much sun you get. LG has several panel lines, including some designed to work in the shade. Their lines include traditional monocrystalline and PERC-style cells.

Solaria Monocrystalline Solar Panels

The cost of installing 10 Solaria monocrystalline solar panels is $7,000 to $11,200. This includes all components necessary, including inverters, brackets, panels, and labor. Solaria specializes in monocrystalline panels. They do not carry polycrystalline panels, which are blue. All monocrystalline panels are black. This makes them more energy-efficient, sleeker, and more aesthetically pleasing. Solaria has several lines, including some that are more efficient in the shade.

S-Energy Monocrystalline Solar Panels

The cost of installing 10 S-Energy monocrystalline solar panels ranges from $8,025 to $12,840. This includes the panels, installation, and other components. Costs vary depending on the location, roof pitch, and monocrystalline panel type. S-Energy has produced solar systems for more than 20 years with a solid efficiency and durability track record. They make a wide range of options, including many monocrystalline panels. They focus on producing panels that are highly efficient and long-lasting.

SunPower Monocrystalline Solar Panels

The cost of installing 10 SunPower monocrystalline solar panels averages $8,250 to $13,200. This includes all necessary components and labor. SunPower makes several monocrystalline panels, including flexible panels that are thinner. These can be installed in different places that traditional monocrystalline panels cannot. SunPower has high-efficiency ratings and different styles that can fit various installations.

Pros and Cons of Monocrystalline Panels

Monocrystalline panels are the most efficient solar panel currently being produced. They can give you more energy at fewer watts, meaning you often need fewer panels for the same amount of energy as other systems. They have a lower profile than polycrystalline panels with a sleek black finish, blending in with roofs. Monocrystalline cells come in different types, including some thin and flexible panels.

However, these are the most expensive solar systems. They use whole silicon crystals, making them difficult and costly to produce. They also produce a lot of waste in production. This waste product can produce polycrystalline cells, but it means these are less sustainable and renewable than other panels.

Monocrystalline panels last about 5 years longer than other types, making up the price difference.

Maintenance

Monocrystalline panels are easy to maintain. In most cases, they require no maintenance from you at all. You may need to clear debris, such as leaves or snow, to keep the surface clear. Dirty panels have reduced efficiency. When this happens, gently clean them with a soft cloth and water.

While the panels need no maintenance, have the system checked yearly by a solar company. This can ensure the system is working at optimum levels and prevent problems from developing.

Monocrystalline vs Polycrystalline Solar Panels

Monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar cells are made from silicon crystals. While monocrystalline cells are made from a single crystal, polycrystalline cells are made from multiple fragments that have been melted and poured together. Polycrystalline cells are often made of the leftover pieces produced when a monocrystalline cell is made.

Monocrystalline cells are more efficient and longer-lasting than polycrystalline. They have a sleek black color and lower profile, making them more attractive. However, they are not as sustainable and are difficult and time-consuming to make. For this reason, polycrystalline panels are usually cheaper.

Polycrystalline panels are larger with a blue color, making them more visible. However, they are more sustainable because they use leftover pieces from monocrystalline production.

Below is the average cost to install 10 panels of each type, including the panels and labor without other associated parts.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Appearance. Monocrystalline panels are solid black with a lower profile than polycrystalline. This makes them appear more subtle, with the black color also enhancing energy gains.
• Permits. You may need a permit to install solar systems in some states. Speak to your contractor and municipality to find out more.
• Contractor. Research the company and contractor thoroughly. Depending on your state, they may need to be licensed in several areas, including as electricians and carpenters.
• Bids. Get a minimum of three bids before hiring a company. Make sure each company tells you the number of watts per panel, the cost per watt, and includes all parts of the installation, not just the panels. You should also get references from each.
• Accreditation. Ensure the contractor has accreditation from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). The NABCEP guarantees all members have adequate knowledge and experience for solar panel installation.
• Inverter. You have additional costs for your installation with the inverter. This converts the energy from the panel to energy you can use. This adds $425 to $3,000 to the final cost.