A new solar panel technology developed by JinkoSolar claims to be able to convert nearly a third of the solar energy that hits it into electricity, making it more efficient than the best residential solar panels currently available. The perovskite tandem solar cell achieved an efficiency rating of 33.24%, surpassing the previous record set by Maxeon’s most efficient solar panel, the Maxeon 7, which recorded just under 25%. However, experts caution against directly comparing the two technologies as they are not the same and use different methods to achieve their efficiency ratings. The Jinko tandem panel utilizes a perovskite layer on top of a monocrystalline silicon layer to absorb different portions of the solar spectrum, while the Maxeon 7 is made of over 100 monocrystalline silicon solar cells wired together.
Chuck Kutscher, a renewable energy researcher, points out that the efficiency record of individual solar cells does not always directly translate to the real-world efficiency, durability, and cost of the entire panel. While stacking two different cells to collect different portions of the solar wavelength spectrum can boost efficiency, it also comes at a higher cost. Kutscher highlights that perovskite cells like the one used in the Jinko Tandem Solar Cell have not yet demonstrated the long-term durability of silicon cells, making them less proven in the field. As such, it is important to consider the overall performance and reliability of a solar panel in residential installations.
Efficiency records for individual solar cells are frequently broken, but the key factors for residential solar panel installations include efficiency, durability, and cost. While new efficiency records are promising, it may take time for these new cells to transition into successful commercial products and may never reach that stage. Jinko offers various residential solar panels with decently high efficiency ratings above 22%, but concerns have been raised about the warranties of some of their products. For comprehensive information on the best and most efficient solar panels, platforms like CNET rank and score them based on criteria such as efficiency, temperature coefficient, wattage, and warranty.
The Maxeon 7, currently the most efficient residential solar panel available, is expected to be available in the US by the third quarter of 2024, according to Maxeon. It is crucial for consumers to carefully consider the efficiency, durability, and cost of solar panels when making a decision for their homes. While new advancements in solar cell technology are exciting, it is essential to evaluate the overall performance and long-term reliability of these innovations before investing in them for residential installations. Ultimately, the choice of solar panels should be based on a combination of factors that will ensure optimal energy generation and cost-effectiveness for the homeowner.
