Which residential solar panels have the highest efficiency ratings?

Our CNET experts have found the market's top performers with the highest efficiency ratings. The most efficient residential solar panel right now is the Maxeon 7, which dethroned the older Maxeon and Canadian Solar panels when it launched in February 2024.

What is the maximum solar panel efficiency?

In the residential market, the most efficient solar panels come from Maxeon and are 24.1% efficient. Larger, utility-scale solar panels can be more efficient than residential panels and technology still in research phases has almost doubled that efficiency.

Which solar panels cost the most?

The efficiency: Panels that are 22% efficient or higher typically cost the most, while low-efficiency panels less than 20% tend to cost less. The manufacturer: Solar panel companies offering the latest and greatest solar panel properties often have higher prices for individual panels.

Which solar panels are the most efficient?

Trina Solar, a Chinese company that makes this kind of panel, set a world record in June 2025 by creating a 30.6% efficient model. With a 360W power rating across a 1.185m² panel, this product would easily top our list – except it hasn’t been released to the public yet, and likely won’t be for years.

Are solar panels efficient?

Most solar panels are at least 20% efficient, but the best ones are over 22% efficient. We reviewed the efficiency ratings of hundreds of home solar panel models and found that five brands stood out: Maxeon, Qcells, Canadian Solar, REC, and Panasonic.

What are the best residential solar panels?

Qcells has the most innovative residential solar panels on the market and boasts an impressive number of features that put the company’s panels above competitors. We like that the maximum efficiency available is 22.5% for residential panels, placing this brand of solar panels at the top in terms of performance.