Most Efficient Commercial Available Solar Panels, February of 2020, 72 Cells

As we previously promised, we aim to extend our popular most-efficient list from only 60-cell to 60- and 72-cell lists. 60-cell list publishes on the first day of each month but 72-cell every month on the 15th.

Now, it is time to unveil the first list of most efficient commercially available solar panels with 72-cell. Contrary to the 60-cell list in which LG’s NeoN models have occupied most of the top positions, there is no sign and place for LG’s 72-cell products. They are more lagged behind their rivals in this segment. REC Energy’s Alpha series has identified the most powerful solar panels in both types, 60 and 72 cells. REC Energy recently reported that it produced the most efficient and powerful 72-cell solar panel that will be commercially available in the market in May of 2020.

LONGi Solar’s Hi-MO X model, a mono PERC solar panel is manufactured by a shingled layout that was launched in Australia in August last year.

Another popular technology in the photovoltaic (PV) module manufacturing is shingle. In the PV module with shingled solar cells, the solar cells are overlapped with each other and they are connected by using electrically conductive adhesives to fix solar cells to a foil substrate in a shingled pattern. 

The power output of shingle modules is increased by significantly enhancing the active cell area within the module, decreasing shading and soiling losses, and reducing interconnection losses.

Trina Solar, JA Solar, and Jinko Solar have launched a 144 half-cut solar cell, which can be compared dimensionally with other manufacturers 72 full cell panels. In half-cut cells, the power loss is decreased due to halving the cell current. They also have the advantage of the less hot spot and better shadow performance compared to full cells.

Please see the full list here:

ManufacturerModelCell NumberCell TypeTechnologyEfficiency Power
REC EnergyAlpha72MonoHJT Half-Cut21.3450 W
LONGi SolarHi MO X72MonoPERC Shingle20.8%415 W
Trina SolarTSM-NEG 16144MonoHalf-Cut MBB20.5%430 W
JA SolarJAM72D10 MB144MonoHalf-Cut MBB20.5%420 W
Jinko SolarCheetah HC72144MonoHalf-Cut MBB20.38%410 W
Canadian SolarCS 1 U 420 MS72MonoPERC Shingle20.37%420 W
SolariaPower XT 440c-PD72MonoPERC Shingle20.3%440 W
TW SolarShingleModule-7272MonoPERC Shingle20.2%420 W