Understanding Panel Efficiency
Efficiency measures what percentage of sunlight hitting the panel is converted to electricity. Standard panels are 20-21% efficient; premium panels reach 22-23%. Higher efficiency means more power from the same roof area.
What Affects Efficiency
Temperature (panels work better when cool), shading (even partial shade reduces output significantly), orientation (south-facing at 30-40° is optimal), and age (panels degrade about 0.5% per year) all affect real-world performance.
Does Efficiency Matter?
For most homes, standard 20-21% panels provide excellent value. Premium high-efficiency panels only make sense if you have limited roof space and need maximum output. The difference is typically 5-10% more power for 20-30% higher cost.
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