SolarCity, the energy company founded by Canadian entrepreneur Elon Musk, has created the “world’s most efficient rooftop solar panel”.
According to the company, the module generates between 30% and 40% more power per unit area than any rooftop solar panel in production. This performance is said to be partly because it maintains its output at high temperature – the output of conventional photovoltaic panels falls as heat increases the initial energy of their electrons.
SolarCity expects to install the panel on rooftops and carports for homes and businesses but says they could also be used for utility-scale solar fields and other large-scale, ground-level installations.
SolarCity will begin producing the first modules in small quantities this month.
SolarCity was founded in 2006 and has more than 10,000 employees.
Image via SolarCity