More efficiency doesn't mean more power (for you).
A 400w panel will still be a 400w panel*, regardless of its efficiency.
Efficiency
will relate to size.
A more efficient panel
could be smaller. The industry is mostly moving towards standardized sizing though, so you'll actually see more power for your panel rather than less m2.
The current trend is for n-type panels, vs the older p-type.
Explanation here of the differences, as I'm too lazy to explain
Learn what are the main differences between those two solar cells technologies
www.aleo-solar.com
and details about the differences between PERC and TOPCon
TOPCON (also known as passivated contact) solar cell, is touted as the next generation of solar cell technology after PERC. This novel architecture is introduced by researchers at Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems in Germany in 2013 [1]. Compared to the other potential new...
www.kschan.com
and some details about HJT
Heterojunction technology (HJT) is a not-so-new solar panel production method that has really picked up steam in the last decade.
www.solarpowerworldonline.com
Interestingly PERC is dead in the water, and the industry is moving on to n-type TOPCon, and HJT panels.
I suspect TOPCon might win, as its a similar process to PERC for manufacturers, so cheaper to move to.
Still early days though.
Win/win for the consumer, as n-type panels are more efficient in hotter temps than the older p-type panels.
HJT hits around 25% efficiency, so you'll typically be seeing 550-650w panels, depending on wafer size (industry mostly moving to 210mm). TOPCon is fairly similar - also around the 25% efficiency mark.
June 3 (Renewables Now) - Chinese photovoltaics (PV) manufacturer Longi Solar unveiled on Thursday three solar cell efficiency records, for the N- and P-ty
renewablesnow.com
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*With some caveats - mostly related to temperature efficiencies for different panel types.
i.e. TOPCon or HTJ are more efficient than p-type at higher temps, and degrade less than p-type, so in hotter days, or decades later, they will have given you more output.
All a bit moot though, currently suppliers don't have either TOPCon or HJT panels (I suspect early next year though).
Highest available at supplier (eg Segen), is the JA Solar 540W mono perc @ R2 604,70 ex. vat. / R4,824/Wp
The JA Solar 490W mono perc make more sense though @ R2 140,20 ex vat / (R4,368/Wp)
