Forum Discussion

xzyHollyxyz's avatar
xzyHollyxyz
Explorer
Aug 15, 2014

Solar Panel Spec - Can Someone Please 'Splain?

I was looking again at the specs on my new flexible solar panel: 21.7 Open Circuit Voltage 6.10A Short Circuit Current 19.9% Cells Efficiency 5.70A Optimum Operating Current 17.7V Optimum Opera...
pianotuna's avatar
pianotuna
Nomad III
Aug 15, 2014
Hi,

It means 19.9% of the light energy may, under ideal conditions, be converted to electricity. State of the art (which we can't afford) is about 27%. Older panels were often 13 to 14% efficient.

The number will drop over time with a 25 year working life for most panels.

About Technical Issues

Having RV issues? Connect with others who have been in your shoes.24,333 PostsLatest Activity: Nov 07, 2025