What was the primary benefit researchers gained when they began developing solar cells from polycrystalline silicon instead of monocrystalline silicon?

Answer 1

The primary benefit researchers gained from developing solar cells using polycrystalline silicon instead of monocrystalline silicon is cost-effectiveness. Polycrystalline silicon solar cells are generally less expensive to produce because the manufacturing process is simpler and requires less energy. This is due to the fact that polycrystalline silicon can be made by melting and cooling silicon in bulk, while monocrystalline silicon requires a more complex and energy-intensive process to achieve high purity and single crystal structure.

As a result, polycrystalline silicon solar cells can be produced at a larger scale and with lower material costs, making them more accessible and attractive for widespread adoption in solar energy applications. While monocrystalline silicon cells are typically more efficient, the lower cost of polycrystalline cells contributes to their popularity, especially in residential and commercial solar installations.