Photovoltaic cells, or solar cells, as they are commonly referred to, have come a long way since their inception in 1941. The solar cells in the earliest days had an efficiency of around 2 percent. It was Les Hoffman, the CEO of the Hoffman Electronics Corporation who initially increased the efficiency to a staggering 14 percent.
The efficiency of a solar cell refers to the cells’ ability of transforming the incoming solar radiation into electrical current. According to the solar technology news, the continuous research and development of solar technology has lead to a new world record in the efficiency levels: 44.7 percent is the current highest level of efficiency ever achieved by a solar cell in experimental stages, and the credit for this goes to Fraunhofer Institute of Solar Energy Systems.
Installing a solar panel for residential and commercial purposes has become quite affordable – and this article brings to you the top 10 solar systems in the market.
1. Solland Solar – model Sunweb
Solland Solar is a company that specializes in producing Polysilicon PV cells. Their facility is capable of producing such cells non-stop with their full capacity being 135 MWp / per year.
The efficiency of their modules is by far the highest of any commercially produced solar modules at 16.00%.
2. Siliken – model SLK72P6L-305
Siliken has greatly enhanced their manufacturing standards of solar modules by automating the production process. They have been creating some of the finest solar modules out of numerous materials. They are a world-recognized brand with their solar panels worth 500 MW installed worldwide.
They have achieved an efficiency of around 15.70%.
3. LDK Solar – model LDK-200P-24(s)
LDK Solar is a Chinese company that is known to be the world’s largest solar wafer producer in terms of capacity. They target the PV industry by offering numerous products such as wafers, cells and modules besides various other products.
Their model LDK-200P-24(s) solar cells have an efficiency of 15.67%.
4. Vikram – model Eldora 280
Vikram is a leading manufacturer of PV systems in India. They have managed to secure the number four position with their Eldora 280 module that boasts an efficiency of 15.63%.
5. Wiosun – model E300P
Wiosun is a German company that has created some of the most excellent PV modules in the world. There unique blend of two technologies into one has made them stand out from the rest of the competition. The E300P module features an efficiency of 15.54%.
6. A2peak – model P3-235-60
A2peak is a company based in Taiwan that specializes in creating PV systems for residential, commercial and industrial applications. Their model P3-235-60 is currently among the best PV modules in the world with an efficiency of 15.50%.
7. CNPV Solarr – model CNPV-300P
The CNPV-300P module has an efficiency of 15.40% and is ideal for residential and commercial use. This module is made up of a premium poly crystalline for optimal performance.
8. Latitude Solar – model Latitude P6-60/6
Latitude Solar is a Scandinavian company that builds PV solar panels to a very high standard. Their P6-60/6 model is a fine example of excellent Scandinavian engineering and offers consumers a 15.30% efficiency.
9. JA Solar – model JAP6-60-250
JA Solar is the world’s largest solar cell producer and is based in China. Their JAP6-60-250 is a multicrystalline silicon module with an efficiency of 15.29% and is suitable for residential and commercial use.
10. China Sunergy – model CSUN295-72P
China Sunergy’s CSUN295-72P model secures the tenth place among the top 10 PV systems in the world as revealed by the latest solar technology news. The efficiency of their module is 15.24%.