I plan to order a couple of 100w panels for the RV and can't decide whether to get poly or mono. Someone says the mono doesn't handle shade well, so I think poly is the way to go, then I read that poly only produces about 80% of what a mono does. Any knowledgeable input is appreciated.My Renogy 100w portable is mono and that makes sense as it shouldn't be in shade.

Using larger higher voltage panels, I have had better luck using poly in cloudy situations. In bright conditions it really makes no difference if both fit on the roof.

IMO for PWM, go by the panel's Isc. Often, the mono panel will have a lower Isc than the same wattage poly. You want the most Isc for the money. Poly varies in Isc per watt too. Get the most Isc per dollar and never mind dollars per watt, which can lead to getting less Isc for the money.It is different with MPPT where now it is voltage that counts

Mono - 5.75 lscPoly - 5.92 lscThe shapes and square inches are different between them so that may come into play. The mono is long and narrow but about 5% less real estate.My original thinking was to go poly on the roof because it is more likely to be shaded. It looks like that theory still plays well.

A poly 100w panel will often have an Isc of approx. 6.2 amps. So 5.92 is on the low side. When you do the money math, compare Iscs per dollar.

There is no solar panel that is significantly better in the shade.Panels are just a commodity. Shop by price, dimensions and output.Post links to the panels you are considering for best answers.

Solar - Poly or Mono? | Good Sam Community

BFL13
Explorer II
Mar 11, 2015
A poly 100w panel will often have an Isc of approx. 6.2 amps. So 5.92 is on the low side. When you do the money math, compare Iscs per dollar.
SkiSmuggs
Explorer
Mar 11, 2015
Mono - 5.75 lsc
Poly - 5.92 lsc

The shapes and square inches are different between them so that may come into play. The mono is long and narrow but about 5% less real estate.
My original thinking was to go poly on the roof because it is more likely to be shaded. It looks like that theory still plays well.
BFL13
Explorer II
Mar 11, 2015
IMO for PWM, go by the panel's Isc. Often, the mono panel will have a lower Isc than the same wattage poly. You want the most Isc for the money.

Poly varies in Isc per watt too. Get the most Isc per dollar and never mind dollars per watt, which can lead to getting less Isc for the money.

It is different with MPPT where now it is voltage that counts
JiminDenver
Explorer II
Mar 11, 2015
Using larger higher voltage panels, I have had better luck using poly in cloudy situations. In bright conditions it really makes no difference if both fit on the roof.

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