High-efficiency solar panels help your system perform better and save you money. Here are our top recommendations.
Updated:
Feb 23, 2024
Written by
Faith Wakefield
Faith Wakefield
Senior Writer
Edited by
Tori Addison
Tori Addison
Solar Editor
The most efficient solar panels on the market are SunPower, Canadian Solar, and Panasonic. Investing in efficient solar panels is a great way to increase your energy production. It also maximizes your energy savings and accelerates your return on investment.
Solar panel costs listed in this article are at wholesale prices without installation. All pricing information is courtesy of Scott Williams of Solar Electric Supply, Inc. and Tatiana Boronnikova, business manager at A1 SolarStore.
Compare the Most Efficient Solar Panels
In addition to having the most efficient solar panels, we found SunPower to be the best overall manufacturer and installer on the list due to its quality of panels offered, cost, and warranties. Compare the efficiency of monocrystalline panels from each manufacturer using the panel below.
| Provider | Star Rating | Efficiency | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20.9%–22.8% | Get Installation Quote | ||
| 18.5%–22% | Get Installation Quote | ||
| 19%–21% | Get Installation Quote | ||
| 18%–21.6% | Get Installation Quote | ||
| 18.9%–21.4% | Get Installation Quote | ||
| 19%–20% | Get Installation Quote |
| Provider | Star Rating | Efficiency | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20.9%–22.8% | Get Installation Quote | ||
| 18.5%–22% | Get Installation Quote | ||
| 19%–21% | Get Installation Quote | ||
| 18%–21.6% | Get Installation Quote | ||
| 18.9%–21.4% | Get Installation Quote | ||
| 19%–20% | Get Installation Quote |
*Credit: Scott Williams of Solar Electric Supply, Inc. and Tatiana Boronnikova, Business Manager at A1 SolarStore.
The 6 Most Efficient Solar Panels
We’ve identified the six most efficient solar panels for residential installations:
- SunPower (Maxeon): Our top pick for efficiency
- Canadian Solar: Our top for affordability
- Panasonic: Our pick for premium panels
- Trina Solar: Our pick for value panels
- Silfab: Our pick for warranties
- Q Cells: Our pick for warranty options
SunPower
Our pick for efficiency
Warranty 25 years
System Cost $24,000–$36,000
Canadian Solar
Our pick for colder climates
Panasonic
Our pick for premium panels
Trina Solar
Our pick for affordability
Silfab Solar
Our pick for warranties
Qcells
Our pick for innovation
What Is Solar Panel Efficiency?
Solar panel efficiency is a measurement — listed as a percentage — that tells you how well each photovoltaic (PV) panel converts sunlight into usable electricity. The higher the efficiency rate, the better the energy production. For example, a solar panel with 16% efficiency will convert 16% of the sun’s energy it absorbs into usable electricity.
Due to many complicated chemical interactions, 100% efficiency is not possible. According to PV magazine, a popular solar energy trade publication, the theoretical maximum efficiency of solar modules is 33.7%. The highest-efficiency panels on the market today have rates between 20% and 22.8%.
According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), solar panel efficiency rates have risen considerably over the last few years. Residential panels previously ranged between 16% and 22% but jumped to 19% to 21% in 2021. The same year, homeowners installed solar panels with a median overall efficiency of 20.1%, considered high-efficiency panels. Solar panel manufacturers with the highest efficiency ratings include SunPower, Silfab and Panasonic.
What Is the Most Efficient Type of Solar Panel?
There are three types of solar panels available to residential customers: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. Each panel type has varying advantages, life spans and efficiencies. Here’s a breakdown of each panel type and its pros and cons.
Monocrystalline Solar Panels
Monocrystalline (mono) panels are the most efficient. Though they cost more than other types, mono panels offer the highest efficiency ratings and best power output. Due to their compact design, they work well on homes with limited roof space. Mono panels are also black, making them blend more easily with your home’s roof.
Polycrystalline Solar Panels
Polycrystalline (poly) panels are more affordable than mono panels but have lower efficiency rates. To make up for the lower efficiency, you’ll need to install more poly panels to produce equivalent energy. This requires ample roof space. Poly panels work well in colder temperatures but don’t withstand hot conditions as well as mono panels. These panels have a blue hue, making them more noticeable on rooftops.
Thin-Film Solar Panels
Thin-film panels are the least efficient solar panel option for homeowners. They work best for projects that don’t require a lot of power, such as a small shed or garage. They’re not recommended for large residential installations with high energy needs. On the plus side, thin-film panel performance isn’t impacted by shading or high temperatures, and they have a sleek appearance.
Cost of Efficient Solar Panels
Monocrystalline solar panels cost more upfront than polycrystalline or thin-film solar panels. However, thanks to their higher efficiency and longer lifespan, monocrystalline solar panels will generate more energy over their lifespan than other types of panels, saving you more in the long run.
| Type of Solar Panel | Average Efficiency | Typical lifespan | Average Cost Per Watt* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monocrystalline | 17% to 23% | 25 to 40 years | $1.00–$1.50+ |
| Polycrystalline | 12% to 17% | 25 to 35 years | $0.75–$1.00 |
| Thin-film | 7% to 12% | 10 to 20 years | $0.85–$1.50 |
*Average cost per watt is based on wholesale prices without installation. Source: A1 Solar Store
In fact, the vast majority of residential solar panel installations today are monocrystalline solar panels. Because monocrystalline solar panels are more efficient than other types of panels, they require less roof space to generate the same amount of energy. The top solar panel brands use monocrystalline panels for their residential solar installations. Most homes don’t have a rooftop large enough to install the number of polycrystalline or thin-film solar panels necessary to power a home. Therefore, polycrystalline and thin-film solar panels are generally more suitable for commercial solar installation.
To help offset the cost of high efficiency solar panels, discover what state, local, and federal solar incentives are offered in your area using the dropdown below:
Factors That Impact Solar Panel Efficiency
Two main factors affect the efficiency of solar panels: solar cell efficiency and solar panel structure.
Solar Cell Efficiency
Solar cells are tiny components within a solar panel that help convert sunlight into usable energy, a process known as the photovoltaic effect. The most efficient types of panels, mono and poly, use crystalline silicon solar cells.
Monocrystalline solar panels use solar cells cut from one monocrystalline silicon crystal. Using a whole crystal makes the panel less prone to imperfections and errors, resulting in higher efficiency. However, this production process is more expensive, which is why monocrystalline cells cost more. Polycrystalline panels use multiple silicon crystals, making production more affordable but resulting in lower efficiency.
Solar Panel Efficiency
Simple design elements, such as a solar panel’s wiring, can affect its production. Improper wiring can lead to reduced solar power conversion and lower output.
Proper wiring is also crucial for your system’s inverter. The inverter converts direct current (DC) from the sun into alternating current (AC) that’s used in your home. If the inverter is incompatible with your panels or not properly wired, your energy production will suffer.
Even the backing of solar panels plays a part in energy production. If a panel is too reflective, it won’t convert sunlight properly. Many manufacturers add anti-reflective backing to combat this issue.
Environmental Factors That Reduce Solar Panel Efficiency
Even the most efficient solar panels can be impacted by environmental factors beyond your control. We’ve broken down the key things to look out for below.
Panel Cleanliness
Dirty or soiled solar panels will diminish efficiency and power output. Panels naturally accumulate dust, pollen and other debris that lower the amount of sunlight they can capture. Rain storms will clean your panels occasionally, but you may need additional cleaning to maintain optimal performance.
Panel Angle and Orientation
Solar panels operate most efficiently when installed on a south-facing roof. This direction faces the equator for homes in the U.S., allowing for optimal sunlight. East- and west-facing roofs are also viable for solar panels, but they’re less efficient. North-facing roofs are the least efficient and aren’t recommended for rooftop solar panel installations.
Your solar panels’ angle also plays a part in efficiency. The ideal angle is between 30 and 45 degrees. Solar companies commonly use the latitude of your ZIP code or home address to determine your panel angle. The angle may be adjusted based on your location, surroundings and typical weather conditions.
Shading and Surrounding Obstructions
Sunny and unobstructed surroundings are key to your solar system’s efficiency. Shade from nearby trees, buildings and other obstructions will block sunlight to your panels and decrease energy production. Check your surrounding area for any shading across your roof that could impact your efficiency.
Temperature Coefficient
Most companies test solar panels in a standard condition of 77 degrees Fahrenheit. However, panels perform at peak efficiency between 59 degrees Fahrenheit and 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Any temperature changes beyond that threshold will affect efficiency.
Solar panel manufacturers will include details about the temperature coefficient with their panels. This measurement, displayed as a percentage per degree Celsius, indicates by what percentage your efficiency will be impacted by each degree over 25 degrees Celsius (or 77 degrees Fahrenheit).
Weather Conditions
Solar panels perform at optimal efficiency on sunny, cloudless days. Cloudy and low-sun conditions reduce your panels’ ability to collect sunlight. Homeowners in areas with inclement weather, such as northern states, may experience reduced system performance due to snow blocking their panels’ sun exposure. Solar panels are manufactured to withstand hail, but it could still potentially damage your panels and reduce their efficiency. As you shop for providers, ask questions about how weather in your area can impact panel performance.
Why Does Solar Panel Efficiency Matter?
Solar panel efficiency affects more than your system’s energy production. We’ve highlighted some other ways efficient solar panels can benefit your home below.
Quicker Payback Period
Solar panels pay for themselves within six to 10 years on average. The more money you save, the higher your return on investment. A more efficient system will increase your energy savings, leading to better long-term savings and a slightly improved payback period.
More Compact Solar Project
The more efficient your panels, the fewer you’ll need to power your home. Choosing a less efficient option, such as polycrystalline panels, means you’ll need more panels to produce your needed power output. This will require more roof space than if you opt for monocrystalline panels.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Panels
Yes, there are benefits to using the most efficient solar panels. The efficiency of your solar panels affects the amount of electricity they generate, which is why more efficient solar panels can save you more on utility bills. High-efficiency panels generate more energy with fewer panels, which is especially beneficial to homeowners with limited roof space.
Monocrystalline solar panels are the most efficient, with 15% to 22% real-world efficiency ratings at a higher price range. Polycrystalline panels are more affordable but only provide 12% to 17% efficiency. Monocrystalline panels also have greater durability, lasting up to 40 years.
The typical payback period for solar panels is six to 10 years. Using more efficient solar panels will increase your energy production, reducing your energy bills and creating more long-term savings. Depending on how much savings you generate, your payback period could decrease over time. Additionally, solar incentives like the Federal Solar Tax Credit will further lower the payback period of your solar energy system.