Which type of solar panel provides the best effect?

Four panel types tested side-by-side under real conditions. Follow real-time measurements, compare energy amounts over time, and see which technology performs best year-round.

We've also wondered about that question – so we decided to conduct a completely impartial test.

This isn't about proving that Victron panels are the best. We simply wanted to compare different technologies:

• Monocrystalline panels
• Polycrystalline panels
• PERC panels (Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell)
• Split-Cell panels, which are designed to reduce hotspots and increase efficiency

To get a fair result, we installed four identical solar power systems outdoors, with the same conditions:

• Same location
• Same cable length
• Identical MPPT charge controllers

The power has been mathematically recalculated so that the results correspond to a system of 2500 Wp.

The test has been ongoing for six months and continues. You can follow live data and see the total energy production over time.

Example of a snapshot:

When monocrystalline panels produced 1430 W, the comparison looked like this:

• Monocrystalline: 1430 W
• Polycrystalline: 1366 W
• PERC: 1427 W
• Split-Cell: 1439 W

What makes the test interesting is that different panel types perform best under different weather conditions. Therefore, local weather data is displayed along with the panels' measurements.

Right now, we are heading towards winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Clear, cold days with strong sun are perfect for solar energy – so it will be exciting to see the results!

Want to follow the test? Go to Victron Energy and click on Field Test (top left of the black menu bar). Please note that the function is not yet available on mobile.

Also watch our video showing how we built the four panel systems and how you can compare the results: