Black Solar Panels vs Blue Solar Panels in Zimbabwe - Which is Better?

Synergy Solar Zimbabwe is a Leading Online Solar Energy supply store in Zimbabwe. Since our inception, we have steadily grown to become one of the most robust solar energy dealers in Zimbabwe. We provide a large variety of products, custom designed solar electric systems, and superb technical support throughout your installation.

Synergy Solar Zimbabwe designs, supplies, and delivers complete solar energy systems for homeowners, and installers. We use only the highest rated manufacturers in our design layouts, customized for your specific needs and requirements. We have a commitment to excellence for our valued customers, offering wholesale pricing that ensures a powerful return on your investment, for years to come.

Our Contact Numbers Are: +263 78 977 9433, +263 78 864 2437, +263 77 389 8979 and +263 71 961 3479.


Monocrystalline solar panels feature black solar cells crafted from a single silicon crystal, boasting higher efficiency albeit with a higher price tag. 


Conversely, polycrystalline solar panels showcase blue cells formed by multiple silicon crystals fused together, offering slightly lower efficiency levels but at a more budget-friendly cost. Regardless of the panel type chosen, homeowners are eligible for the federal solar tax credit. 

Whether opting for mono or poly solar panels, savings on electricity costs are guaranteed; the decision rests on personal preferences, available space, and optimal financing solutions. 

For expedited and personalized solar quotations, feel free to contact us at +263 78 864 2437, +263 78 293 3586, or +263 78 922 2847.

An increasingly popular trend in Solar Panel aesthetics is the new Solid Black Solar Panels in Zimbabwe. 

With a more sleek look, these panels have been gaining in popularity, particularly in the last two years. Are you thinking of installing Solar Panels for your home? Before you start your home Solar Energy project, you have the decision to make: Should you buy Blue Solar Panels or Black Solar Panels?
Black Solar Panels vs Blue Solar Panels in Zimbabwe - Which is Better?
Black Solar Panels vs Blue Solar Panels in Zimbabwe - Which is Better?

We think it Is a safe assumption to say you have seen a lot of Blue Solar Panels on rooftops. Blue Solar Panels, after all, have long been the most popular type of solar panel.

But you have probably also noticed that some Solar Panels have a more sleek Black look; these are becoming more common in recent installations. But which one is a better buy? We will take a detailed look at each type of solar panel to help you make an informed decision.

Different Types of Solar Panels:

It’s not really a matter of color. It’s actually the quality and the method of manufacturing blue and black solar panel cells that make them look slightly different from one another.

Read on to learn how they are made and what gives each its distinctive appearance.

What Are BLACK Solar Panels?

The term ‘black solar panels’ almost always refers to monocrystalline panels that look black to the eye. They are made from a single, high-quality silicon crystal. This silicon has a higher level of purity as compared to the silicon crystals used in blue polycrystalline solar panels.

*While there is another type of black module – ‘thin-film solar panels’ – their market share is tiny. As such, for this blog, we will take black panels to exclusively mean monocrystalline panels.

How Black Solar Panel is Made

Black solar panels use monocrystalline solar cells, which are made through the Czochralski process. This process uses a silicon crystal seed that is placed in a vessel or vat of molten silicon. The silicon crystal seed is slowly drawn out, along with the molten silicon, forming a block of solid crystal silicon. The silicon block is then finely sliced into silicon wafers, which are used as solar cells for energy production.

Although black and blue panels are produced almost the same way, light interacts with a single-crystal (monocrystalline) cell differently than a cell comprised of many crystals (polycrystalline). This causes black solar panels to have a uniform appearance that looks black to the eye.

The whole process of making a single-crystal black cell is comparatively more complicated than producing multi-crystalline blue solar cells. Also, a significant amount of pure silicon is wasted in the production of black solar cells, as all four sides of silicon wafers are chopped off to get the shape of the cells right.

What are BLUE Solar Panels?

The term ‘blue solar panels’ is used to refer to polycrystalline solar panels. Unlike a monocrystalline silicon cell, a polycrystalline cell is created from more than one raw silicon crystal.

How Blue Solar Panels are Made:

The process of making blue-colored panels is very similar to that of producing black solar panels. However, the step of drawing up the silicon crystal seed (used to form black monocrystalline solar cells) is skipped in the case of blue solar cells.

The silicon crystals, melted and poured into the vat, are simply allowed to cool to form polycrystalline silicon cells. This forms distinctive grains and edges on the blue solar cells.

The way that the polycrystalline cells reflect light, combined with the anti-reflective coating that is applied to them, give these solar panels both their blue appearance as well as a bit of a glimmer.

Advantages between Black and Blue Solar Panels:

Which solar panel is right for you? This decision depends upon a number of factors, including your budget, your space, as well as a few other points, all highlighted below.

The Case for Black Solar Panels:


More energy efficient

The uniform alignment of silicon crystals in a monocrystalline panel makes these panels more energy efficient. You typically require fewer black solar panels than polycrystalline solar panels to generate the same amount of energy, making black solar panels the better option when it comes to saving space.

Absorb more light

In addition to energy efficiency, black panels also absorb more light than blue ones. This means that black panels are capable of absorbing more sun rays, thereby generating more solar power. This leads to more energy being produced for your home or business.

Better performance in warm weather

Black monocrystalline solar panels perform better in warmer weather. With all solar cells, electricity production falls as the temperature rises. However, this output degradation is less severe in black panels as compared to blue panels.

Space-saving design

Black solar panels are space-savers. As monocrystalline solar cells are more energy efficient, you require fewer monocrystalline solar cells than polycrystalline solar cells to generate the same amount of energy.

Bonus features

  1. They last longer – with many manufacturers offering a 25-year warranty.
  2. Black solar panels also tend to perform better in low-light conditions.
  3. The case for blue solar panels.

More cost-effective:

Polycrystalline cells were previously thought to be inferior to monocrystalline cells because they were slightly less efficient. However, because of the cost-effective method of producing polycrystalline solar cells, they emerged as a dominant technology for the residential solar panels market.

Less expensive to create and repair:

Because blue solar panels are easier to produce, they are also less expensive. Both their upfront and installation costs are significantly cheaper as compared to black solar panels. They’re also used more commonly, so repairs are quick and easy.

More eco-friendly:

The blue polycrystalline solar panel cells produce less waste in the manufacturing process as compared to the monocrystalline cells.

In manufacturing monocrystalline cells, a significant amount of silicon ends up as waste as silicon wafers are chopped off from all four sides. As polycrystalline cells do not require any individual shaping, very little waste is produced.

If you are concerned about your ecological footprint, this might be something you want to consider.

Black Vs Blue panels: Which is the best for YOU?

The differences between blue and black solar panels on the market today go far beyond their color and aesthetic appeal. In fact, the color of a solar panel indicates the grade of silicon it’s made of.

Here’s a quick summary to help you choose the right one for your home!

Black – Monocrystalline Solar Panels:

  1. Characterized by its smooth, black appearance and high-quality silicon.
  2. Occupy less space and have a longer lifespan.
  3. Formed through an energy-intensive production process that generates a lot of waste.
  4. Carry a higher price tag for installers and consumers.

Blue – Polycrystalline Solar Panels:

  1. Characterized by visible crystals, a more scattered look, and lower-quality silicon.
  2. Require slightly more space for producing the same amount of energy as black panels.
  3. Less complicated production process with minimal waste production.
  4. More affordable.

Synergy Solar Zimbabwe only works with and installs quality equipment. We use the best and most reputable brands, from solar inverters to panels and batteries. We know good equipment means quality and guarantee; so we use the best so as to create customers satisfaction.

Synergy Solar Zimbabwe is looking forward to your call or WhatsApp Message.

Please feel free to leave a message on our WhatApp number or alternatively please call us and we will be able to help you straight away. If you would prefer, send us an email with your details and an outline of your enquiry and we will be pleased to come back to you. We respond to all enquiries usually within 24 hours, but guarantee within 48 hours.

Our Contact Numbers Are: +263 78 977 9433, +263 78 864 2437, +263 77 389 8979 and +263 71 961 3479.



Related stories