Solar Overview
Solar 101
What is solar panel efficiency rating?
What is solar panel efficiency rating?
Solar panel efficiency rating is a measure of the amount of sunlight that a solar panel can convert into usable electrical power. It is expressed as a percentage, and the higher the percentage, the more efficient the solar panel is.
Solar panel efficiency is determined by a number of factors, including the type of solar cell technology used, the quality of the materials used in the solar panel, and the design and construction of the panel itself. Different types of solar cell technologies have different efficiencies, with some being more efficient than others.
The most common type of solar cell technology used in residential and commercial solar panels is silicon-based photovoltaic (PV) cells. These cells are typically categorized into three main types:
- Monocrystalline silicon solar cells – These solar cells are made from a single crystal of silicon, which is grown in a cylindrical shape. They are the most efficient type of solar cell, with an efficiency rating of up to 24%.
- Polycrystalline silicon solar cells – These solar cells are made from multiple crystals of silicon that are melted together. They are less efficient than monocrystalline silicon solar cells, with an efficiency rating of up to 21%.
- Thin-film solar cells – These solar cells are made from layers of different materials, such as amorphous silicon, cadmium telluride, or copper indium gallium selenide. They are less efficient than crystalline silicon solar cells, with an efficiency rating of up to 12%.
Solar panel manufacturers typically provide an efficiency rating for their solar panels based on standard testing conditions. These conditions include a specific amount of sunlight (1000 watts per square meter), a specific temperature (25°C or 77°F), and a specific air mass (AM 1.5). The efficiency rating provided by the manufacturer is an estimate of how much electricity the solar panel can produce under these standard testing conditions.
It’s important to note that the efficiency rating is not the only factor to consider when choosing a solar panel. Other factors, such as the cost of the solar panel, its durability and warranty, and the overall system design, should also be taken into account.
In summary, solar panel efficiency rating is a measure of the amount of sunlight that a solar panel can convert into usable electrical power. It is determined by a number of factors, including the type of solar cell technology used, the quality of the materials used, and the design and construction of the panel itself. The efficiency rating provided by the manufacturer is an estimate of how much electricity the solar panel can produce under standard testing conditions.
At NewCo, we use the best Monocrystalline solar panels on the market that come with a minimum of a 20% efficiency rating, 25 year warranty for materials and workmanship, and a 30 year warranty for extra linear power output. Our panels are exclusive to our National Install partner which means that we have a healthy inventory of panels in this very volatile market, best overall value, and long term warranty for both workmanship and power output.Â