Solar panel efficiency is affected by several factors, including the quality of the solar cells used, the materials used to manufacture the solar panel, and the operating conditions of the panel (such as temperature and shading).
The efficiency of a solar panel is typically expressed as a percentage. It can range from less than 10% for older, less efficient panels to over 20% for newer, more efficient panels. Higher-efficiency panels are generally more expensive, but they can produce more electricity for a given amount of sunlight, resulting in a lower overall cost of solar power.
How Important Is Panel Efficiency for My Home Solar System?
Solar panel efficiency is important when installing a home solar system. Still, it's not the only factor that matters. A more efficient panel will generate more electricity for the same amount of sunlight.
The importance of efficiency depends on various factors, such as the available roof space, the amount of sunlight in your location, the cost of the panels, and the amount of electricity you need.
If you have limited roof space, choose higher-efficiency panels to generate more power from a smaller area. However, suppose you have plenty of roof space. In that case, you can install more lower-efficiency panels to generate the same amount of electricity.
The amount of sunlight in your location is also a crucial factor. Suppose you live in a location with plenty of sunlight. You may not need the most efficient panels to generate enough electricity in that case. On the other hand, if you live in an area with less sunlight, you may choose higher-efficiency panels to maximise the power you can generate.
Finally, the cost of the panels and the amount of electricity you need can also be a part of the equation. If you have a limited budget, you may need to balance the cost of the panels with their efficiency. Similarly, choose higher efficiency panels to generate more power if you need a lot of electricity.
The table below shows the solar panel efficiency rating of some of the top brands available in Australia. As you can see, there is only a couple of % variation between each. Of course, each brand has many different models and types, so it's more complex than a straightforward like-for-like comparison.
| Panel Brand | Panel Model | Power Output | Panel Efficiency (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunpower | Maxeon 6 | 440W | 22.8% |
| Longi Solar | Hi-Mo 6 Scientist | 440W | 22.8% |
| Canadian Solar | CS6R-H-AG | 440W | 22.5% |
| REC | REC Alpha Pure-R | 430W | 22.3% |
| Hanwha Qcells | Q.Tron-G1+ | 400W | 22.3% |
| Jinko Solar | Tiger NEO | 480W | 22.2% |
| SUMEC Phono | Draco Mono-M6 | 430W | 22.0% |
| TrinaSolar | Vertex S + | 425W | 21.8% |
| Seraphim | S4 SERIES | 415W | 21.2% |
| Axitec | XXL HC BLK | 410W | 21.0% |
| SolarEdge | SPV410-R54JWML | 410W | 20.9% |
| Winaico | WST-MGX-P3 | 410W | 20.9% |
In conclusion, understanding solar panel efficiency is an important factor to consider when choosing the right solar panels for your home system. While panel efficiency is not the only factor to consider, it can impact the amount of electricity generated and the overall cost of solar power. Factors such as available roof space, location, cost, and electricity needs also play a role in determining which panels are the best fit for your home. By carefully weighing these factors and staying up-to-date with the latest solar panel technology, homeowners can make an informed decision that maximises the benefits of solar energy for their household.
If you want to dive deeper into solar panel efficiency, there is an excellent article on the Clean Energy Reviews website here:
Most Efficient Solar Panels 2023
