How Efficient Are Solar Panels? Top Brands Compared in 2024
Choosing efficient solar panels is important, but you don’t always need to opt for the most efficient model. Here are some scenarios when selecting the most efficient panels makes sense:
You want to maximize your solar production
Let’s say you want your system to produce as much electricity as possible. Or, maybe you want to buy the least amount of electricity from your utility but have limited roof space. In either of these cases, you should choose the highest-efficiency solar panel.
You want to save more money long-term
Highly efficient solar panels tend to cost more than their less efficient counterparts. But, the higher your panel’s efficiency, the more electricity you’ll produce, and the more you’ll save on your electric bills.
To understand the cost-effectiveness of each panel option, calculate whether the increased savings you achieve by generating more electricity over the lifespan of your solar energy system with high-efficiency panels justifies the higher upfront cost.
Let’s consider two solar panel systems located in Massachusetts. Both have 20 solar panels of the same physical size. One system has Maxeon’s 440-watt panels with 22.8% efficiency, while the other includes panels with 21% efficiency.