Question: how powerful are solar panels

Jemma Rowlandson answered on 24 Jan 2017:

That depends a lot on the material the solar panel itself is made of, and if it’s in the right place! We measure a solar panels power by how much of the Sun’s light that shines on the panel can be converted in electricity, which we call the efficiency. Normal solar panels made of silicon are usually around 16% efficient, which isn’t bad but it could be better. You can get more efficient panels however these are a lot more expensive. A lot of research into solar is about making more powerful solar panels, and making sure the materials that are in them will last a long time.