PV (Photovoltaic) Panel Efficiency

Panel efficiency is the percentage of the sun's energy that will be converted to AC (alternating current) energy. Higher efficiency panels cost more, but produce more energy for the same surface area. For example, a 16.2% efficiency panel would create 162 W/m2 of power under standard conditions, or 162 Wh/m2 of energy from 1000 Wh/m2 of solar irradiation/insolation.