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The type of solar panels you select has a big impact on your system’s power output and long-term energy savings. Though more expensive up-front, investing in the most efficient solar panels will increase your monthly savings and give you the biggest return on investment (ROI). We’ll take a closer look at the various factors that impact solar panel efficiency and highlight solar panels with the highest efficiency rates.
Important Note: Sunpower only installs panels from Maxeon, its former subsidiary. Get a quote from one of the certified installers below if you’re interested in a different solar panel brand.
We identified the eight most efficient solar panel brands for home installations:
LG
Maxeon
Silfab
Hanwha
Q Cells
Panasonic
REC
Canadian Solar
Trina Solar
We’ve provided a breakdown of the top brands with the most efficient solar panels:
BrandType of PanelBest Efficiency RatingOur Rating (Out of 5 Stars)LG
Monocrystalline
22.30%
4.3
Maxeon
Monocrystalline
22.80%
4.2
Silfab
Monocrystalline
21.40%
4.2
Panasonic
Monocrystalline
21.70%
4.1
Q Cells
Monocrystalline
20.60%
4.1
REC
Monocrystalline
21.90%
4.0
Canadian Solar
Monocrystalline
22.00%
3.7
Trina Solar
Monocrystalline
21.60%
3.6
Solar panel efficiency represents how well a solar panel, or photovoltaic (PV) panel, converts sunlight into energy. This percentage measures the panel’s power production. The higher the efficiency rate, the more energy is converted into electricity for your home. Solar panels with an 18% efficiency rating will convert 18% of the sun’s energy into electricity.
According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), panel efficiency rates have improved over the last 10 years. In 2002, panels averaged 13.6% efficiency. That range increased to 19% to 21% by 2021, with most homes installing panels with a median rate of 20.1%. Today’s solar panels average 16% to 20% efficiency. Anything above 20% is considered a high-efficiency panel. Top solar panel manufacturers, such as Maxeon, LG, and Silfab, offer high-efficiency options.
There are three common types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film. Each type offers different efficiencies, benefits, and production levels. Here’s an overview of each panel type.
Monocrystalline (mono) panels offer the highest efficiency rates and power output. Although they have the highest price tag, their long-term benefits are worth the investment. Mono panels are more compact, making them ideal for homes with limited roof space. They come in sleek mostly black or all-black designs to blend effortlessly with rooftops. Mono panels also offer the longest life span.
Consider these factors when deciding on mono panels:
Upsides DownsidesCan last up to 25 years, 40 with proper maintenance
Requires a higher investment than other types
Provides efficiency rates of 15% to 20%
Performance can decrease in colder climates
Offer a sleek design that blend in with your home’s roof
Polycrystalline (poly) panels are more affordable but provide lower efficiency and power output. You’ll need more poly panels than mono ones to support your home’s energy needs. These panels are larger and require substantial roof space. In addition, poly panels have a blue hue that may clash with your home’s aesthetics.
We’ve summarized the positives and negatives of poly panels:
Upsides DownsidesLast between 25 and 35 years
More noticeable on rooftop installations
More affordable than mono panels
Require more panels due to lower efficiency rating
Performs well in cooler climates
Thin-film panels offer the least efficiency and power production of all residential options. They don’t work well for homes with high energy needs and are better suited for small-scale installations such as a shed or stand-alone garage. An advantage of thin-film panels is that they perform regardless of shading or high temperatures. In addition, they’re black and blend in well with your home.
Below are the advantages and disadvantages of thin-film panels:
Upsides DownsidesBlends with rooftops due to their dark appearance
Last about 10 to 20 years
Provides the most cost-effective price point
Offers the lowest efficiency ratings and power production
Works well for small-scale installations
Two factors impact solar panels’ overall efficiency: solar cells and panel construction.
Solar modules are tiny solar cells that convert sunlight into usable electricity. This process, known as the photovoltaic effect, generates an electric current in each solar cell when exposed to sunlight. Monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels use crystalline solar cell technology, providing the highest efficiency ratings possible.
Although both panels use the same technology, their production processes affect their efficiency. Monocrystalline solar panels use solar cells produced from a single silicon crystal. This ensures the solar cell’s surface is flawless and creates higher efficiency. However, the process is more expensive, resulting in a higher panel price.
Polycrystalline panels use multiple silicon crystallines. This creates a more fractured surface but a more cost-effective production process. They’re less expensive than mono panels but have lower efficiency.
Certain components of solar panels, such as the wiring, play an integral role in functionality. Poor wiring could lead to lower output and power production. Faulty wiring could also impact the inverter’s ability to convert energy within the system. The inverter converts the direct current (DC) energy from the sun into the alternative current (AC) energy that your home uses. Poor wiring during installations could reduce the inverter’s production, lowering your system’s ability to produce enough power.
Solar panel backing also affects your panel’s energy production. If the panel is too reflective, it won’t properly absorb sunlight, leading to lower production. Many manufacturers include anti-reflective backing on their products to improve sunlight absorption.
Additional environmental conditions can also affect your panel’s performance. Below are some of the most common factors.
The accumulation of pollen, dust, snow, and other substances prevents the sun’s energy from reaching the solar panels, diminishing their full capabilities. Although panels are cleansed naturally by rainfall, you may need to schedule a cleaning if heavier debris doesn’t wash off on its own.
South-facing roofs offer the best orientation for solar panel efficiency. American homes face the equator in this direction, providing optimal sunlight. Homes facing east or west get adequate sunlight but not the best efficiency. North-facing homes aren’t suited for solar panels due to their limited sunlight.
You should also consider your roof’s angle when designing a solar system. Ideally, panels should be positioned between 30 and 45 degrees. Many solar companies determine your panel angle based on the latitude of your home address or zip code. Additional adjustments are made based on your home’s location, weather conditions, and surrounding area.
Panels need direct access to sunlight to perform optimally. Nearby shading from trees and tall buildings will reduce your panel’s efficiency, resulting in lower power production. Check your surrounding area for tall obstructions that could hinder your pane’s performance.
Most solar manufacturers use a standard test condition of 77 degrees Fahrenheit to measure panel performance. Most solar panels run effectively in temperatures between 59 degrees Fahrenheit and 95 degrees Fahrenheit. These companies also include the temperature coefficient of their panels. This measurement indicates by what percentage your panel’s efficiency will drop in conditions over 77 degrees Fahrenheit (or 25 degrees Celsius).
Peak panel performance occurs on cloudless, sunny days. If you live in an area with year-round cloudy or low-sun conditions, your panels will still work but at a lower efficiency. Homeowners in snowy areas could experience buildup on their panels, reducing performance. Although panels are built to withstand hail, the panel surface could still be damaged by heavy storms.
The benefits of high-efficiency panels extend beyond power production levels. Here are some other ways high-efficiency panels can improve your home.
Solar panels typically pay for themselves within six to 10 years. The more clean energy you generate, the more money you save, leading to a higher return on investment. Investing in a high-efficiency system, like the ones offered by SunPower, will translate to a lower electricity bill and a slightly faster payback period.
Efficient solar panels allow you to reduce the size of your rooftop installation. Monocrystalline panels provide excellent efficiency and output compared to other options. You’ll need a larger number of polycrystalline panels to match the amount of electricity needed for your home. These panels are best for homes with lower power needs and ample roof space.
Installing solar panels requires a large investment, so homeowners should make certain that a system will benefit their home. Although federal and state solar incentives can help lower costs, you don’t want to invest in solar power if it won’t reduce your energy consumption long-term. Consider the following factors before making the switch to solar.
Efficient solar power systems may generate more energy than your home needs. Some states offer net-metering programs that allow homeowners to sell this excess energy back to the grid in exchange for credits. You can apply these credits to future energy bills or opt for an annual payout in some cases. Consider installing a solar battery if your state or local utility company doesn’t offer net-metering.
Solar batteries allow you to store extra energy for use on cloudy days, during a blackout, or a night. Solar batteries can also offer energy savings during times of high electricity rates, improving your long-term savings.
Additional upgrades—such as electric vehicle (EV) charges or solar generators—will also expand your savings capabilities.
Solar panels work best in areas with ample sunlight and unobstructed surroundings. Consider your area’s weather before investing in solar panels. If you frequently experience cloudy or inclement weather, you’ll have less potential savings. You may need to invest in tree removal services to prepare for a solar panel installation. In addition, consider your home’s direction and available roof space.
Converting to solar energy helps reduce your electric bills, since clean energy costs less than fossil fuels. But if your current electricity rates are reasonable, the savings won’t be as impressive. We recommend reviewing your monthly electric bills and calculating your average annual spending. If your current spending is low, solar panels might not be the right choice. Most top solar companies begin their quote process by reviewing your monthly energy spending and determining if solar panels will generate adequate savings.
Homeowners should consider solar incentives to help lower their solar investment costs. These credits and rebates exist at the state and federal levels. The federal government offers a federal tax credit equating to 30% of your installation costs, and some states offer state tax credits for installations, both of which apply to your tax liability. Additional savings include local property and sales tax credits, city-based incentives, and local municipality or utility company rebates. Check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) for details about the available incentives in your area.
Choosing efficient solar panels, such as monocrystalline, offer the best benefits. You’ll see an increase in power production and a reduction in energy costs. If you have ample roof space or lower energy needs, you can opt for a more affordable solution such as polycrystalline panels. Thin-film panels should be reserved for smaller home projects that require little power.
Advancements in solar technology have provided homeowners with better solar panel options. By choosing more efficient solar panels, you can generate more energy for your home and maximize your savings.
Though they require a significant up-front investment, monocrystalline silicon panels provide the best return on investment and the highest energy production. Homeowners with lower energy needs or smaller solar budgets should consider polycrystalline panels. Several factors could influence your total potential savings, so it’s best to consult a professional solar installer to determine your long-term benefits.
Homeowners Save $20,000 to $97,000 with Solar Panels on Average Over Typical System Life Span
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Monocrystalline solar panels are the most efficient type of panel compared to polycrystalline and thin-film options. Monocrystalline solar panels deliver between 15% to 22% efficiency.
The more efficient the solar panel, the more energy your system will produce to power your home. Improved production means you’ll need fewer panels to meet your energy needs. Efficient panels also provide better energy savings and return on investment.
The most efficient solar panels are made of silicon, one of the most abundant elements on earth. Crystalline silicon panels offer the best efficiency ratings and energy production. Monocrystalline panels use a single silicon crystal, while polycrystalline panels use multiple crystals.
We researched and analyzed dozens of solar panels and solar installation companies. We then formulated a rating system based on each solar installer or manufacturer’s services and products. We weighed several significant factors, including the quality and type of solar panels offered, the customer support network, warranty lengths and limitations, and additional benefits such as mobile apps for monitoring and customer service.
Speaking directly to representatives, we determined how each solar company personalizes its solar panel installation for each home. We also analyzed each company’s warranty options to ensure their product and performance guarantees match or exceed industry standards.
We evaluated each provider based on their rating and history with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to determine reputation. In addition, we analyzed the 100 most recent Google Reviews for each provider across various locations and branches.
Read more: Our Methodology
The most efficient solar panels available to residential customers come from two companies: SunPower and Canadian Solar. Both companies have solar panels with maximum efficiency ratings of 22.8%, but other companies are close behind. Prioritizing efficiency when you're shopping for solar panels may not make sense for most people, but if you want to set up the most efficient system, here's where to start.
Solar panels may all seem basically the same, but they're different in at least a few ways. One of those ways, efficiency rating, measures how much of the sun's energy a panel's solar cells turn into usable electricity. More efficient solar panels will generate more electricity than less efficient ones given the same amount of sunlight.
"If something is 20% efficient, that means that 20% of the energy in that sunlight reaching the solar panel gets turned into moving electrons," Daniel Ciolkosz, professor of agricultural and biological engineering at Pennsylvania State University, told CNET.
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Choosing the best solar panels for your home is a game of balancing solar panel cost, function (like efficiency) and perhaps even aesthetics. Your choice is also limited by what your chosen solar installer actually offers.
I've been writing about solar for CNET for the last two years, during which time I've read dozens of spec sheets and talked to dozens of industry experts about what matters for home installations. While ranking panels by their efficiency rating is a relatively straightforward task, I've also created the scoring methodologies for and ranked the best solar companies and best solar panels for CNET.
This list ranks the most efficient solar panels. Not only will we tell you which panels get top marks for turning the most sunlight into energy, we'll explain how much solar panel efficiency actually matters.
Determining the highest solar panel efficiency is a pretty simple matter of tracking down manufacturer-provided data sheets and locating the efficiency numbers. Those numbers today are higher than in the not-too-distant past and keep creeping upward.
According to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's Tracking the Sun report, 2021 was the first year more than half the residential solar panels installed in the US had efficiency ratings above 20%. Ten years ago only 0.6% of those installed reached that mark. High-efficiency solar panels are more common than ever and becoming only more so.
If you're looking for the most efficient solar panel for your roof, here's how the most widely used brands on the market stack up.
Data accurate as of April 2023.
It depends on the solar panel. The most efficient solar panels listed above top 22% -- meaning they convert more than 22% of the available energy from sunlight into usable electricity. But not all solar panels hit that figure, and the ones you buy might fall well below it. Be sure to examine not just efficiency, but the whole expected output of your solar panel system for the price.
These are just the most efficient residential solar panels. Experimental technology and panels designed for commercial and utility-scale applications can be even more efficient.
The numbers listed above are obtained under controlled conditions in laboratory tests. In the real world there are plenty of factors that might cause you to receive less energy than a panel's efficiency rating would suggest.
Sunlight: If the skies are hazy or cloudy, less sunlight will reach your panels and they'll produce less electricity than expected.
Solar panel angle: You can't just point your solar panels up and expect them to work their best. There's an optimal angle and placement for your panels, and it depends largely on where you live.
Other electrical components: Power doesn't flow straight from the panels into your toaster. Some will be lost along the way through the inverter and other electrical devices.
Temperature: Another factor affecting solar panels efficiency is their temperature. As solar panels get hot, they start to produce less energy, though not at the same rate. A solar panel's temperature coefficient measures how much worse its production gets for every degree Celsius (1.8 degrees Fahrenheit) it gets above 25C (77F).
Solar panels are installed at an angle to capture more of the sun's energy.
For example, at 26C (79F) a REC Alpha Pure would produce 0.24% less energy than at 25 degrees. At 29C (84F), it would lose just shy of 1% of its production.
There are three main types of solar panels, and each converts sunlight into power at a different rate. Here's a look at the three types:
All things being equal, it would make sense to choose a higher-efficiency solar panel over one with a lower rating. But high-efficiency solar panels typically cost more than lower rated ones, so making the best choice becomes a matter of balancing your financial goals with what your preferred installer offers and other considerations like brand and aesthetics.
"It's just one part of the equation," said Ciolkosz. "The bigger question for the end user is the economics and how it's paying off."
Is there a case where efficiency might be a worthwhile consideration?
"If you have one of those tiny homes on HGTV," said Tom Beresnyak, a Pennsylvania State University extension educator.
If you're limited by available space for solar panels, you might want to squeeze out as much solar energy as possible from that space, though if your state allows it, a community solar subscription still might be a better choice financially, Beresnyak said.
No. But the panels listed here aren't the most efficient solar panels ever made, just commercially available ones marketed for homes.
Research into solar cells (the energy-producing components that make up solar panels) has produced much higher efficiencies in the lab. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory tracks the highest efficiencies achieved in standardized lab conditions. The highest ever solar cell efficiency was 47.6%, recorded in June 2022.
Because there's no one-size-fits-all solar solution, there's no one-size-fits-all advice for choosing a solar company. The best approach is to get quotes from multiple installers before deciding. Choose the company that has offered you the best fit for your needs, you trust to do the work and has answered all your questions.
You should understand your energy usage before going solar and decide whether your goals are to completely replace that energy, save as much money as possible or achieve something else. From there, it's a matter of measuring competing quotes against your goals.
The Department of Energy recommends that you choose an installer with credentials from a respected third party, like the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, which operates an online directory of certified installers that you can filter by state and certification.
Installers should definitely assess your roof condition because removing panels at a later date to replace a roof will be an additional cost. They should also be able to transparently answer questions about the systems design and why they're making their specific proposal.
"The installer can make a huge difference because the angle and the mount [are important for] maximizing what you have at that location -- a skilled installer is still going to be the real key in your long term production," Beresnyak said.
Read more: Want something smaller than a whole-home solar system? See our picks for the best portable solar panels and solar generators.
The panels on this list were chosen because they're some of the most commonly installed panels and are likely to appear on quotes for solar installations. If you're quoted for panels that don't appear on this list, you can check their efficiency rating and other specifications in the same way I did. Here's how.
Solar panel manufacturers publish data sheets for solar panels, which detail their dimensions, performance metrics and internal chemistry. If your solar company doesn't provide you with them, you can access them by clicking on the company name in the table above. (Many of the links lead to PDFs.) From there, it's a simple matter of comparing statistics.
The panels featured here are the most efficient offering from each of these companies. They may sell other panels that would appear higher on the list. In general, the higher a company appears on this list, the more efficient all of the solar panels they offer are.
Most of the solar panels installed today are made of either monocrystalline or polycrystalline cells. Monocrystalline solar panels are more efficient than their polycrystalline counterparts, though they're a bit more expensive. All the solar panels listed above use monocrystalline cells.
A third type of solar panel, thin-film solar panels, are less efficient than mono- and polycrystalline panels.
At the moment, the most efficient solar panels available on the residential market are made by SunPower and Canadian Solar. Other companies are catching up, however, and technology continues to improve.
In general, yes. While specific pricing information for solar panels isn't readily available, higher performance panels are typically more expensive. SunPower, which installs the most efficient panels, also started installing Qcells panels (the most frequently installed panels) to offer a more affordable option.
That means the panel is converting 20% of the energy from the sunlight that hits it into electricity. Of residential solar panels currently available, 20% would rank favorably. The most efficient solar panels on the market are more than 22% efficient.
On the residential market, the most efficient solar panels currently available are 22.8% efficient. In general, more efficient panels are possible. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory developed a solar cell with an efficiency of 39.5%, but don't expect to put it on your roof.
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