Efficiency of home solar power generation

How efficient are solar panels?

The efficiency of solar panels has improved dramatically in recent years, from around 15% conversion of sunlight to usable energy, to around 20%. In fact, the current industry-average efficiency for a single residential solar PV panel is about 21%, with the top-performing units able to achieve up to 23%.

Why does solar panel efficiency matter in the UK?

If a panel is 20% efficient, it means 20% of the energy in the sunlight reaching that solar panel is turned into usable electricity. The more efficient your solar panels, the less reliant you’ll be on perfect conditions to generate electricity, and the fewer panels you might need. This is the reason solar panel efficiency matters in the UK.

What is solar panel efficiency & why is it important?

As solar panel efficiency is a measure of output under certain conditions, it naturally follows that a panel's output will be higher or lower depending on the weather – but it's one of the best ways to compare different panels.

Are domestic solar panels effective?

Progress has slowed in recent times, but having reached a top efficiency rating of 24%, domestic panels are effective enough to make the most of any space you have on your roof. In this guide, we'll explain what solar panel efficiency means, why it's important, and how it should inform your solar panel system purchase.

Are high-efficiency solar panels more expensive?

Yes, higher-efficiency monocrystalline panels are more expensive than less-efficient polycrystalline panels. But, since efficient panels produce more electricity than cheaper panels, over time they tend to be a better investment – especially since solar panel prices are falling, while the price of non-renewable energy remains very high.

How much power do solar panels provide?

Nearly 30% told us that their solar panels provided between a quarter and a half of the total electricity they needed over a year. There's a huge seasonal variation in how much of your power solar panels can provide. Read our buying advice for solar panels to see how much of your power solar panels could generate in summer.