What is the typical efficiency range for solar photovoltaic panels to convert sunlight into electricity?

Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels typically have an efficiency range of around 10-20% when converting sunlight into electricity. This means that they can convert approximately 10-20% of the solar energy that hits their surface into usable electrical energy.

This efficiency range is the result of both the materials used in the panels and the technological advancements made over the years. Most commercially available silicon-based solar panels operate within this efficiency range, providing a balance between performance, cost, and practicality for everyday use. Higher-efficiency panels are available, often utilizing advanced technologies, but they are less common and often more expensive.

The options indicating less than 1% and 5-10% reflect outdated or less efficient technologies, which may still be in use but are not representative of modern, commercially viable solar PV technology. Similarly, the 30-50% range is not realistically achievable with current mainstream solar technologies, as it exceeds the efficiency limits defined by the physics of sunlight absorption and conversion in PV materials. The 10-20% range accurately captures the typical performance one can expect from modern solar panels in residential or commercial applications.