Polycrystalline solar panels, recognizable by their bluish hue, are made from multiple silicon crystals melted together. Unlike their monocrystalline counterparts, which use single-crystal silicon, polycrystalline panels form when raw silicon is melted and cooled in a mold, resulting in various crystals in each cell. This mosaic of crystals gives them their signature look. Their production is less energy-intensive and wasteful, making them more cost-effective. However, the multiple crystal boundaries reduce their efficiency, typically ranging between 15-17%. Their grainy appearance and slightly reduced space-efficiency are trade-offs for their more attractive price point compared to monocrystalline panels.