As solar technology becomes more widely adopted, manufacturers are continuing to improve the technology and drive prices down.
Solar panel efficiencies are reaching record highs, allowing panels to produce more electricity in the same amount of space.
Solar panel efficiency refers to how well a solar panel can convert sunlight into usable electricity. Depending on the type of solar cells used, the efficiency of consumer solar panels ranges anywhere from about 8% for thin film photovoltaic to 23% for monocrystalline silicon.
Numerous factors can impact solar panel efficiency, including the type of solar cells, the quality of materials and construction, the panel’s placement and age, and environmental conditions like temperature.
Before we dive in, it’s essential to understand that “efficiency” has a very specific meaning as a specification for solar panels.
Solar panel efficiency measures the percentage of direct sunlight shining on the panel’s photovoltaic surface that gets converted into electricity.
In practice, the higher a solar panel’s efficiency, the more electricity you can generate with the same amount of space and sunlight.
For example, a rigid solar panel with 400W of rated power and 23% efficiency can produce 400wH of electricity under ideal conditions. A rigid solar panel with 400W of rated power and an efficiency rating of 18% will require a significantly larger surface area to generate the same amount of electricity.
With that in mind, let’s look at the five most Efficient Solar Panels in 2023.
EcoFlow’s Top Solar Panels for EfficiencyBest for Hiking/Backpacking – 160W Portable Solar Panel
Best for Car Camping – 220W Bifacial Portable Solar Panel
Best for Extended Off-Grid Adventures – 400W Portable Solar Panel
Best for Permanent Installations – 400W Rigid Solar Panel
Best for Maximizing Available Surface Area – 100W Flexible Solar Panel
1. 160W Portable Solar Panel – Best for Hiking/BackpackingThe EcoFlow 160W Portable Solar Panel provides an excellent combination of efficiency and portability. One of the smallest and lightest-weight portable solar panels available, it still boasts an impressive 160W of rated power output.
The EcoFlow 160W panel comes with a carrying case that serves a dual purpose: protection and support. Unfold the case, and it becomes a sturdy kickstand, allowing you to adjust the panel for optimal solar charging.
The panel features monocrystalline silicon solar cells and a high 21-22% efficiency rating.
The 160W panel can keep collecting energy even during adverse weather conditions. Thanks to a protective ETFE film and a high IP68 rating, the solar cells can operate efficiently and safely in a wide range of environments.
The one-piece foldable design makes it easy to set up and pack away, ensuring you can harness the sun’s energy wherever you go.
Efficiency: 21–22%
Rated Power: 160W (±5W)
Solar Cell Type: Monocrystalline
Waterproof Rating: IP68
Weight: 15.4 lb (Approx. 7 kg) with Kickstand Case
Unfolded Dimensions: 26.8 × 61.8 × 1.0 in (68 × 157 × 2.4 cm)
Folded Dimensions: 26.8 × 16.5 × 1.0 in (68 × 42 × 2.4 cm)
The EcoFlow 220W Bifacial Portable Solar Panel redefines the power potential of portable panels. This model features 220W of output on the primary side, complemented by a 155W side at the back for ambient light capture.
Though not designed for backpacking, this panel is incredibly compact and space-efficient. You can easily store it in vehicles, motorhomes, cabins, and tiny homes.
Like the other EcoFlow panels, this 220W version maintains the IP68 rating, meaning it’s designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. Along with the PV panel, you receive a kickstand case that offers protection during storage while also serving as a stand to position your panel for maximum sun exposure throughout the day.
This panel is ideal for car camping, motorhome excursions, and other off-grid settings. If your electricity demand surpasses the panel’s 220W limit, connecting multiple panels is possible. Just make sure not to exceed your portable power station’s solar input/charging capacity.
For many applications, a single 220W bifacial solar panel’s output is more than sufficient.
The bifacial panel also has an impressive lifespan that promises less than 10% power degradation over a decade.
Efficiency: 22–23%
Rated Power: 220W Front Side / 155W Rear Side
Cell Type: Monocrystalline
Waterproof Rating: IP68
Weight: Approx. 20.9 lbs (around 9.5 kg)
Dimensions: 32.3 × 72.0 × 1.0 in (82 × 183 × 2.5 cm)
The EcoFlow Portable Solar Panel has the highest rated power output of all the portable solar panels on this list. With a whopping 400 watts of rated power, this panel can keep your essential devices and camping appliances charged and running indefinitely.
This panel is too big for backpackers, but it folds down and slides away for easy storage in cars, motorhomes, cabins, and tiny homes.
Like EcoFlow’s other panels, this 400W model features an IP68 waterproof rating to withstand the harsh weather of your wildest adventures. The kickstand case protects the panel from damage while stored away.
The case also serves as a stand that lets you orient your panel for maximum direct sunlight capture throughout the day.
The 400W Portable Solar Panel is perfect for boondocking, car camping, motorhome trips, and other off-grid applications. If you need more than 400 watts of rated power, you’ll need to connect multiple panels together.
Remember to check the maximum solar input of your portable power station. For example, DELTA Pro can support 4 x 400W PV panels or eight if you chain two DELTA Pros together using the Double Voltage Hub.
EcoFlow’s Power Kits can support up to 12 x 400W solar panels for full-time motorhome or tiny home living.
Efficiency: 22.40%
Rated Power: 400W
Cell Type: Monocrystalline
Waterproof Rating: IP68
Weight: Approx 35.3 lbs (16.0 kg) / Approx. 41.9 lbs (19.0 kg) with Kickstand Case
Dimensions: 42.0 × 94.1 × 1.0 in (106.8 × 239.0 × 2.4 cm)
The EcoFlow 400W Rigid Solar Panel is ideal for permanent installations, including residential and motorhome applications. EcoFlow’s rigid solar panels offer an industry-leading efficiency rating of 23%, generating more electricity with less surface area than less efficient rigid solar panels.
Built to last, it features a durable anti-corrosive aluminium frame and boasts an IP68 waterproof rating, making it suitable for long-term outdoor installation even in extreme weather conditions.
It can withstand wind speeds up to 130 mph and blizzards. Exception durability ensures this rigid solar panel will continue capturing solar energy for decades to come, yielding an attractive return on investment.
The 400W rigid solar panel works well in both grid-tied and off-grid setups, making it an excellent choice to build out your residential solar array. You can even achieve energy independence with a whole home generator and enough 400W rigid PV panels.
The 400W rigid solar panels also work well with the modular Power Kits popular for motorhomes, tiny homes, and van life. Especially when combined with flexible and portable solar panels to maximise electricity generation potential.
Efficiency: 23%
Rated Power: 400W
Cell Type: Monocrystalline
Waterproof Rating: IP68
Weight: Approx. 48.1 lbs (21.8 kg)
Dimensions: 67.8 × 44.6 × 1.38 in (172.2 × 113.4 × 3.5 cm)
EcoFlow’s 100W Flexible Solar Panel is the highest efficiency flexible PV panel available.
Most flexible solar panels are made from thin film solar cells — which typically have low efficiency, often in the single digits.
Like all of the PV panels featured in this guide, the ultra-lightweight 100W flexible solar panel is constructed of monocrystalline solar cells, giving it unparalleled efficiency for a panel that can bend up to 258 degrees.
One hundred watts of rated power means it’s unlikely that you’ll want to build your solar panel array out of these alone. This solar panel’s true strength is literally its flexibility. You can maximise your available surface area by mounting flexible solar panels to multiple curved and uneven surfaces. It’s an ideal choice for maximising electricity generation on van rooftops, motorhomes, boats, and other applications where flat exterior space is at a premium.
The solar panel is around 70% lighter than traditional solar panels, making it easy to transport and install. It’s so thin and lightweight that you don’t even have to drill any holes to mount it. You can safely affix this flexible solar panel to almost any surface using silicone-based adhesives like SG20 or Fix8 or double-sided acrylic foam tape like 3M VHB.
With a high solar conversion efficiency of 23%, the 100W Flexible Solar Panel performs at the same rate as its rigid and portable counterparts. The panel’s integrated bypass diodes prevent overheating and maintain cell performance, even in shaded environments.
This flexible panel is rated IP68 for water and dust resistance, meaning it can withstand the harshest weather conditions, from heavy rain to dust storms.
Efficiency: 23%
Rated Power: 100W (±5W)
Cell Type: Monocrystalline
Waterproof Rating: IP68
Weight: Approx. 5.1 lbs (around 2.3 kg)
Dimensions: 41.5 × 24.1 × 1.0 in (105.5 × 61.2 × 2.5 cm)
Solar panel efficiency is essential because it determines how much electricity a solar panel or array can generate with a specific photovoltaic surface area.
Efficient solar panels may cost more upfront, but they can significantly shorten your solar payback period by generating more electricity.
Over the 25+ year lifespan of a monocrystalline solar panel, you’re almost guaranteed to get a better ROI than with polycrystalline or other currently available solar cell technologies.
Efficiency is paramount if you install your solar array on a roof or other location with limited space that receives direct sunlight (such as a motorhome, camper van, or tiny home).
Likewise, if you want to take your home entirely or mostly off-grid, space that receives direct sunlight is probably at a premium.
Solar panel efficiency determines how much electricity generation potential you have from any fixed surface area.
Frequently Asked Questions Which Type of Solar Panel Is Most Efficient?Monocrystalline silicon is the most efficient type of consumer solar panel. A monocrystalline panel is made from multiple solar cells constructed from a single silicon crystal. Monocrystalline PV cells allow for more efficient electron movement and electricity conversion than polycrystalline solar cells. Monocrystalline solar panels generally have efficiency ratings above 18% and a temperature coefficient of +/- 0.3%/°C.
Final ThoughtsWhen it comes to harnessing clean, renewable energy, choosing the most efficient solar panels is crucial. By opting for solar panels, you can maximise electricity generation from your available surface area receiving direct sunlight and reduce reliance on traditional energy sources.
Each of the five solar panels mentioned above boasts high efficiency ratings – the main difference between the options in terms of electricity generation is their rated power output.
EcoFlow’s 400W solar panels output more electricity, but the lower wattage options offer their own benefits, like being lightweight, flexible, and portable.
Whether you’re a hiker, car camper, off-grid enthusiast, or seeking a permanent residential off-grid power solution, one (or a combination) of these solar panels is a perfect fit for your needs.
Check out EcoFlow’s selection today to find your ideal sustainable power solution.