Who is manufacturing the most efficient solar panels?
For only the second time, Maxeon, formerly SunPower, has been overtaken in residential solar panel efficiency rankings, with Aiko Solar emerging as the new leader. Aiko’s latest Neostar 2P series has reached an impressive maximum efficiency of 24.3%, securing the top spot. However, this dominance may be short-lived, as Longi has announced its upcoming Hi-MO X10 series, expected to achieve 24.7% efficiency when officially released in 2025.
Maxeon has led the industry for over a decade, but Aiko’s innovation with the Neostar series, introduced in 2023, has significantly pushed efficiency boundaries. Featuring advanced All-Back-Contact (ABC) cell technology, the initial Neostar panels launched with a module efficiency of 23.6%. Looking ahead, the third-generation Neostar Infinite series, set for release in late 2025, is projected to reach an unprecedented 25% efficiency, establishing a new benchmark for solar panel performance.
Jinko Solar has risen to the third spot, with the latest Tiger NEO series peaking at 23.8% efficiency and an impressive 515W based on a larger format panel. Taller 1900mm+ residential modules may become a more common industry size as manufacturers look to offer panels with 500W+ power ratings. Recom Tech’s next-generation Black Tiger series, with 23.6% efficiency, uses a new TOPcon Back-contact cell architecture. LONGi Solar was previously the second manufacturer, behind Sunpower, to reach a module efficiency level of 23% with the new Hi-Mo 6 Scientists series, based on a hybrid IBC cell design, which LONGi calls HPBC. Canadian Solar and, more recently, REC and Huasun Solar revealed next-generation panels built using HJT cells, which are on par with the efficiency level of the renowned Maxeon series.
Other leading manufacturers include SPIC, TW Solar, Trina Solar, and JA Solar, which feature next-generation TOPCon and HJT cells. Higher-efficiency panels featuring N-type TOPCon cells from TW Solar, Astronergy, DAS Solar, Risen, Qcells and most established manufacturers have helped boost panel efficiency above 22% across the industry.
