10 photovoltaic solar panels

Which residential solar panels have the highest efficiency ratings?

Our CNET experts have found the market's top performers with the highest efficiency ratings. The most efficient residential solar panel right now is the Maxeon 7, which dethroned the older Maxeon and Canadian Solar panels when it launched in February 2024.

What is solar panel efficiency?

Solar panel efficiency, a key metric in renewable energy, quantifies the percentage of sunlight converted into electricity. Higher efficiency panels harness more power, enhancing sustainable energy production. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the most efficient solar panels.

What is the maximum solar panel efficiency?

In the residential market, the most efficient solar panels come from Maxeon and are 24.1% efficient. Larger, utility-scale solar panels can be more efficient than residential panels and technology still in research phases has almost doubled that efficiency.

Which solar panels are most efficient?

Qcells has been the most widely installed residential solar panel brand in the United States. This is their most efficient residential panel to date. It has a temperature coefficient of -0.3% and a 25-year production guarantee of 90.58%. The Tiger Neo panel has a 22.52% maximum efficiency rating and a temperature coefficient of -0.29%.

Do you really need the most efficient solar panels on your roof?

Larger, utility-scale solar panels can be more efficient than residential panels and technology still in research phases has almost doubled that efficiency. Solar technology keeps getting better, but do you really need the most efficient panels on your roof?

How much energy does a solar panel use?

It depends on the solar panel. The most efficient solar panels on our list top 24%, meaning they convert more than 24% of the available energy from sunlight into usable electricity. Not all solar panels hit that figure, and the ones you buy might fall below it.