Energy conversion efficiencies
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- PV solar panel energy conversion efficiencies refer to the percentage of potential energy in the rays of sun hitting a PV panel that are converted into electricity for use by the consumer. The standard test conditions for a solar panel give the sun a potential energy content of 1000W per square meter. This is the sun under perfect conditions hitting the panel directly at high noon. PV panels have standard energy conversion efficiencies of 8% - 17% depending on their design, and the material used in the panel construction. If a PV panel's energy conversion efficiency is 12% then the actual electrical output of a 1 square meter panel will be 120 Watts.[1]