Calculations based on simplified formula for solar panel power:

P_out = η ⋅ G ⋅ (X ⋅ Y)

Explanation of the Formula:

• Solar Irradiance (G): Represents the amount of solar energy available per unit area. For simplicity, we assume G = 1000 W/m² under ideal conditions. This value can vary depending on location, weather, and time of day.
• Efficiency (η): Accounts for the fraction of incoming solar energy that is converted into electrical energy. Higher efficiency means more power output for the same area.
• Panel Area (A = X ⋅ Y): Larger panels capture more sunlight, directly increasing the power output.

Below is a list of the materials with confirmed efficiency data, categorized by type:

1. Silicon-Based Materials

• Monocrystalline Silicon (c-Si): Confirmed efficiency up to 26.7% (laboratory record).
• Polycrystalline Silicon (poly-Si): Confirmed efficiency up to 22.3%.
• Amorphous Silicon (a-Si): Confirmed efficiency around 10–12%.

2. III-V Compound Semiconductors

• Gallium Arsenide (GaAs): Confirmed efficiency up to 29.1% (single-junction, laboratory record).
• Indium Phosphide (InP): Confirmed efficiency around 21–23%.
• Aluminum Gallium Arsenide (AlGaAs): Efficiency depends on composition but often exceeds 25% in tandem cells.
• Gallium Indium Phosphide (GaInP): Confirmed efficiency up to 24–26% in multi-junction cells.
• Multi-Junction Cells (e.g., GaInP/GaAs/Ge): Confirmed efficiency up to 47.1% under concentrated sunlight (world record).

3. II-VI Compound Semiconductors

• Cadmium Telluride (CdTe): Confirmed efficiency up to 22.1% (commercial modules typically ~18–20%).
• Copper Zinc Tin Sulfide (CZTS): Confirmed efficiency up to 12.6% (laboratory record).

4. Copper-Based Chalcopyrite Semiconductors

• Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS): Confirmed efficiency up to 23.35% (laboratory record; commercial modules ~15–20%).
• Copper Indium Selenide (CIS): Confirmed efficiency up to 20%.

5. Perovskite Materials

• Methylammonium Lead Iodide (MAPbI₃): Confirmed efficiency up to 25.7% (laboratory record).
• Perovskite-Silicon Tandem Cells: Confirmed efficiency up to 31.25% (world record for tandem cells).

6. Organic Photovoltaic Materials

• Polymer-Based OPVs (e.g., P3HT:PCBM): Confirmed efficiency up to 18.2% (laboratory record).
• Small Molecule-Based OPVs: Confirmed efficiency up to 15–17%.

7. Emerging and Experimental Materials

• Quantum Dots (e.g., PbS): Confirmed efficiency up to 16.6% (laboratory record).
• Iron Pyrite (FeS₂): Efficiency remains low (~2–3%) due to challenges in charge transport.
• Bismuth-Based Materials: Efficiency data is limited but ranges from 1–5%.