Due to the many recent advances in solar cell technology over the last 5 years average panel conversion efficiency has increased from 15 to 20.
Average solar panel efficiency 2015.
If the efficiency of solar panels is high you will need less space to produce enough energy.
The average efficiency of solar panels is typically determined by measuring the amount of energy that individual solar cells are able to convert into usable power.
Solar panels have been consistently increasing in efficiency at about 5 annually since 2010.
For example an average silicon solar cell has an optimal efficiency rating of about 15.
Factors that affect solar panel efficiency.
Not surprisingly more efficient panels cost more money.
The average efficiency of solar panels falls between the 17 to 19 percent efficiency range.
Sunpower nasdaq spwr currently makes the most efficient solar panel at 21 5 efficient versus 14 to 16 efficiency for a commodity panel.
Efficiency of a typical solar panel is around 15.
Some laboratory prototypes have reached efficiency values over 40 but they are still very expensive and not viable for commercial use.
This large jump in efficiency resulted in the power output of a standard size panel to increase from 250w up to 340w.
In simple terms solar panel efficiency can be described as the conversion rate from sunlight to electric power.