What is the efficiency of solar cells?

The difference in efficiency between different technologies

What is the efficiency of solar cells?

De opbrengst van een zonnecel hangt af van het materiaal waar de zonnecel van gemaakt is. Kristallijne zonnecellen zijn over het algemeen het beste.
24 maart 2015 16:31
Last updated on 03 april 2025 16:33
Reading time 4 min
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De opbrengst van een zonnecel hangt af van het materiaal waar de zonnecel van gemaakt is. Kristallijne zonnecellen zijn over het algemeen het beste.

The yield of a solar cell depends on the material the cell is made from. Crystalline solar cells are generally of the best quality.

Monocrystalline
Polycrystalline
Amorphous
Efficiency
14-20%
12-16%
6-10%
Long-term
Very high efficiency, long and stable lifespan
High efficiency, long and stable lifespan
Low efficiency, shorter lifespan
Cost
High
Lower than monocrystalline, higher than amorphous
Low

Due to technological advancements, the price of solar cells has dropped significantly in recent years. Solar power has therefore become very competitive with grid electricity.

Efficiency

The efficiency of solar cells can vary greatly depending on several factors. When the factors are well coordinated, the optimal yield is achieved. You can calculate your yield to get an idea of the possible return. This calculation is based on the dimensions, tilt angle, and orientation of your roof, providing a good indication of your roof's potential.

The investment return of solar panels is high, making it always a good investment. The average return of solar panels is 7%, which is a significant difference from the 2% savings interest you would receive from the bank. Currently, investing in solar panels yields significantly more than putting the same amount into a savings account. Zonnefabriek has mapped out two scenarios comparing the returns of two installations. In both cases, the return was higher than the bank's interest rate.

This comparison can be found for your own roof via our online calculator. We compare two different panels installed on your own roof, providing a good indication of the savings you could achieve with two different panel brands.

 

The effect of shadow on your yield

When shadow is not properly accounted for, it can lead to significant loss in yield. It is therefore advisable to get good advice on how to minimize the effect of shadow. You can find further explanations about the effect of shadow on our FAQ page.

Advies op maat

Benieuwd naar het beste zonnepaneel voor op uw dak? Vraag een adviesgesprek met een van onze adviseurs aan. Samen bekijkt u de mogelijkheden op uw dak. 

Hessel van den Berg
Hessel is technical manager at Zonnefabriek. He regularly reports on current developments in the world of sustainable energy. Hessel has a talent for translating complex information into crystal-clear blogs.

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