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What’s the Average Solar Panel Size and Weight? (2024)

Author Image Written by Tamara Jude Updated 04/25/2024

Installing solar panels can slash your electric bills and boost your home value, but how much value you get depends on the size and number of panels you install. Most residential solar panels have 60 cells and measure about 65 inches by 39 inches, or 5.5 feet by 3.25 feet. However, the exact dimensions vary by brand.

The best solar providers will help you pick the right panels that support your energy needs and work with your roof, but homeowners should understand how a panel’s size and weight impact installation. Below, we explain the average solar panel size and weight, including factors that could impact your panels’ dimensions.

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4 Best Solar Companies of 2024

Best Solar Leasing : SunRun
Best Customer Support : Palmetto Solar
Best East Coast Installer : Solar Energy World
Most Reputable : Blue Raven Solar

Average Solar Panel Size and Weight

Each panel contains a few dozen solar cells that measure roughly 6 inches by 6 inches. Most residential solar panels contain about 60 cells in a 6-by-10 grid configuration. The frame and space between cells add a few extra inches, making the average residential panel about 65 inches by 39 inches, or 17.5 square feet.

Keep in mind that these dimensions are neither exact nor universal. For instance, 60-cell SunPower panels are 61.3 inches by 41.2 inches. You can also opt for larger panels with 72 cells in a 6-by-12 grid—though these are more common in commercial solar installations. In that case, your panels will be closer to 78 inches by 39 inches or 6.5 feet by 3.25 feet.

On average, solar panels weigh about 42 pounds, with some falling between 40 and 60 pounds. To give you an idea, if you were to install a solar system with 21 panels, your total solar array might weigh about 882 pounds (21 panels x 42 pounds). It’s worth noting that this estimate doesn’t include the additional weight from framing or mounting equipment. The exact weight of your system will depend on the materials, mounting system, and panel configuration. This information can help you plan and prepare for the installation process.

Panel FeatureResidential Solar PanelsCommercial Solar Panels

Average Length

65 inches

78 inches

Average Width

39 inches

39 inches

Number of Solar Cells

60

72

Solar Cell Configuration

6 x 10

6 x 12


Solar panel dimensions vary based on brand, panel type, and total wattage. Here’s an overview of key factors that affect solar panel size and weight:

Different brands prioritize different technologies that impact their cell and panel design. Differences in material, power output, and overall design all impact panel size. However, most brands adhere to fairly standard sizes for 60- and 72-cell panels to ensure compatibility with racking systems. Reputable brands will provide accurate dimensions on their spec sheets and product descriptions, making it easy to compare panel sizes.

Your installer will match your solar system size to your estimated energy consumption. The more power you need, the more solar panels you’ll need to support your home. Installers will review your average energy usage to determine monthly needs. Then, they’ll match the solar panels to your home’s total kilowatt-hours (kWh) consumption.

A solar power system is a cost-effective energy solution that lowers utility bills. However, most residential systems are grid-tied and require an external power supply when panels aren’t in use. In other words, your planned solar panel system will help offset your grid-tied electricity use but usually won’t replace it completely. You need an off-grid system with high-powered panels and solar batteries to run your home completely on renewable energy.

Most homes use solar panels with output ratings between 250–400 watts (W) that generate about 1.5 kWh daily. However, output depends heavily on solar irradiance and panel efficiency.

If your home has higher electricity needs, a solar installer may increase your number of solar panels or use higher-wattage panels. Higher-wattage panels often have more cells, which makes them bigger. More efficient technology can help minimize the size increase.

Solar panel efficiency plays a key role in solar panel size. Your panel’s efficiency, represented in a percentage, indicates how well your panels convert sunlight into usable electricity. The higher the efficiency, the better the energy production.

High-efficiency panels use more advanced solar cell technology, which increases energy savings and lowers electric bills. These panels have efficiency ratings of 20% or higher.

Not only do efficient panels save roof space, but they also reduce the number of panels required. Since they perform better, you’ll need fewer high-efficiency panels to meet your home’s electricity usage.

The size of the solar panels available varies. The most popular type, monocrystalline panels, provides excellent energy production in a compact design. Most residential installations use these panels for their performance and durability. Polycrystalline panels are less popular than monocrystalline options, but some solar installers use them.

There may be a noticeable size difference between monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels with the same wattage. Polycrystalline panels are larger and less efficient, and due to their lower energy production, you’ll need more panels—which means more roof space.


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How Much Roof Space Do I Need for Solar Panels?

Since solar installations vary greatly, providing an exact space estimate without a professional assessment is difficult. However, if the average solar panel is 17.5 square feet and produces 250–400 watts, you will need about 1 square foot of roof space for every 14–23 watts of output.
Before installation, your solar provider will carefully assess your roof space and sun exposure. They’ll determine how much electricity you use and design a system to meet those needs. Factors like panel brand, type, and efficiency also affect the amount of roof space needed.

Quick Tip

  • We recommend working with a professional solar installer to get an accurate estimate of the required roof space.

Can My Roof Support Solar Panels?

Most modern homes have roofs that can handle the weight of solar panels. Your solar provider will check your roof’s structure, age, orientation, and roofing materials to determine whether it can support solar panels. Then, they’ll choose the ideal panel placement based on layout, orientation, and shading, focusing on areas that receive maximum sunlight throughout the day.

If your roof has limited space due to shading, dormers, or a complex roofline, your installer might recommend high-performance residential panels. These offer better energy output within a smaller footprint.

If your roof has visible damage or isn’t structurally sound enough to support panels, your solar installer may recommend spending funds for a roof repair or replacement. If neither of those options works, you can consider alternate solar solutions, such as solar shingles or ground-mounted solar panels.

Check out the video below, where home technology expert Ross Trethewey breaks down the five most important things to consider before installing solar panels on your house:

Our Top Solar Company Picks

Sunrun

4.5

We like Sunrun for its four financing options, including its unique leasing options if you don’t want to own your system. This stands out to us because the other companies on this list don’t offer as many options.

Prepaid and leased systems also include a 25-year warranty with system service and maintenance, ongoing monitoring, and theft insurance. The company even offers financing plans for quality monocrystalline solar panels and products from trusted brands such as LG.

How We Scored Sunrun

Sunrun earned 4.4 out of 5 stars based on our methodology. The company gained many points for its positive reputation, comprehensive leasing options, and well-rounded warranty coverage. It lost some points for is limited service selection.

  • Solar Equipment and Services (15 out of 25 points): Sunrun provides solar panel and battery installation but uses third-party installers. Though this is becoming an industry standard, in-house installers typically yield better communication and quality. The company also doesn’t provide roofing services or energy audits but does offer quality active monitoring assistance. 
  • Warranty and Performance Guarantees (19 out of 25 points): Sunrun offers quality warranties, such as its 25-year manufacturer and labor warranty, but doesn’t include a performance guarantee. 
  • Brand Reputation and Professional Certifications (13 out of 15 points): Sunrun has one of the higher customer BBB ratings we’ve encountered, and the company maintains an overall positive customer reputation online.
  • Financing Options (13.5 out of 15 points): The company doesn’t offer any in-house financing but provides more warranty coverage for customers interested in solar leasing than other providers, such as Palmetto.
  • Industry Experience (9 out of 10 points): Sunrun holds 17 years of experience in the solar industry, making it a veteran compared to a newer company such as Blue Raven Solar.
  • State Availability (8 out of 10 points): The company only serves 18 states.

Pros and Cons

Pros Provides system monitoring that signals issues with your system Offers diverse financing options to suit various budgets Provides EV and solar battery solutions Cons Limited online information on solar incentive disqualification with leases Requires added costs for the same coverage plans as leased and prepaid customers Varies solar battery availability by state

Warranty and Financing

Warranty

Sunrun backs its systems with a 10-year comprehensive warranty which includes product, roof penetration, and workmanship coverage.

Financing Options

✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan
✔ Lease
PPA

State Availability

Available in: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Vermont, plus Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico.

Reputation and Reviews

The company earned DroneDeploy’s 2022 Guardian of Safety Award for incorporating drone technology in its site assessments. In 2021 and 2022, Sunrun was recognized by Comparably with 14 awards. Its accolades include Best CEOs for Diversity 2022, Best Company Culture 2021, and Best Company for Women two years in a row.

Sunrun currently holds an A+ rating from the BBB and is accredited. Former customers praised the comprehensive coverage for leased systems but complained about delayed installations, poor customer service, and poor communication with project managers. Additionally, some customers note being confused by Sunrun’s leasing and PPA options, though they also mention Sunrun is willing to discuss and clarify these plans.

Palmetto

4.4

Palmetto Solar offers a wide range of quality solar products and excellent customer service, including phone, email, and online chat options, an online service request portal, and a library of troubleshooting resources. Overall, Palmetto offers more customer support than other providers we reviewed, most notably through its tiered system protection plans and mobile app.

How We Scored Palmetto Solar

Palmetto earned 4.4 out of 5 stars according to our methodology. The company scored more points for its comprehensive service selection and long-term protection plans. It lost some because of its standard warranty options and lack of production guarantee. 

  • Solar Equipment and Services (20 out of 25 points): Palmetto offers an excellent selection of solar services, including solar battery and electric vehicle (EV) charger installation, energy audits, and active monitoring.
  • Warranty and Performance Guarantees (16 out of 25 points): The company’s warranty options don’t stand out as much as Sunrun’s. It offers industry-standard coverage for 25 years on products and 10 years on labor.
  • Brand Reputation and Professional Certifications (14 out of 15 points): Palmetto has a highly positive online reputation on popular review sites such as the BBB. The company also screens its installers to ensure they’re certified with the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
  • Financing Options (13.5 out of 15 points): Palmetto doesn’t provide in-house financing but offers all possible payment methods.
  • Industry Experience (8 out of 10 points): Palmetto holds a decent amount of experience, with 15 years in the industry.
  • State Availability (8 out of 10 points): The company serves 17 states.

Pros and Cons

Pros Gives access to customer support via email, chat, phone, and app Offers a tiered system protection plan Provides an online solar savings calculator to estimate potential savings Cons Limits its active monitoring services to three years Shorter roof leak and workmanship coverage than other installers Some online reviews mentioned permitting and installation delays

Warranty and Financing

Warranty

Palmetto’s warranty protection includes a 25-year panel warranty, 12-year inverter warranty, 10-year workmanship warranty, and five-year roof penetration warranty.

Financing Options

✔ Full purchase
✔ Lease
✔ Loan
✔ PPA

State Availability

Available in: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia

Reputation and Reviews

Palmetto Solar received Solar Power World’s Most Forward-Thinking Contractor award in 2022. Inc. magazine recognized the company the same year with a Power Partner Award. Palmetto also aims to provide solar energy to underserved communities with its Get Solar, Give Solar program.

Palmetto Solar is accredited by the BBB and has an A+ rating from the site. While reading online reviews, we noticed that homeowners praised Palmetto for its dedicated installation managers and quality systems but mentioned very long waiting periods for permitting, plus installation delays.

Solar Energy World

4.4

Solar Energy World (SEW) is one of the most robust and well-regarded solar installation companies. It boasts several impressive features, such as its 30-year manufacturer’s warranty. Its service area is limited, and it doesn’t offer energy auditing services. We like that SEW discloses what solar panels it primarily works with and that the panels are from trusted, quality brands such as Qcells and Silfab.

Roughly 11% of our surveyed solar users purchased their system from Solar Energy World.

How We Scored Solar Energy World

SEW scored 4.4 out of 5 stars according to our methodology. The company received many points because of its warranty, which is longer than most other solar companies’ warranties. SEW offers a 30-year manufacturer’s warranty on all its solar panels and inverters, whereas many providers only offer 25-year warranties.

  • Solar Equipment and Services (18 out of 25 points): The company is an ideal option for many basic solar products and services, such as solar panels and battery installation. It lost points because it doesn’t install EV chargers or perform energy audits.
  • Warranty and Performance Guarantees (19 out of 25 points): SEW’s manufacturer and labor warranties are standout features, but the company doesn’t include any production guarantees with its work. 
  • Brand Reputation and Professional Certifications (15 out of 15 points): The company’s reputation is one of the best, with high BBB and Google Reviews ratings. We also found no active alerts or lawsuits.
  • Financing Options (13.5 out of 15 points): SEW offers all possible solar payment options but doesn’t provide an in-house financing department. 
  • Industry Experience (8 out of 10 points): The company has been in business since 2009, so it received most of the points in this category.
  • State Availability (6 out of 10 points): SEW limits its service area to eight East Coast states.

Pros and Cons

Pros Features an extensive solar product catalog with trusted brands Includes free active monitoring Hires NABCEP-certified installers and designers Cons Reviews mention communication issues with staff Warranty coverage varies by solar panel brand Doesn’t offer a power production guarantee

Warranty and Financing

Warranty

SEW offers a 30-year manufacturer’s warranty on all purchased solar panels and inverters. However, coverage varies by brand, and the company doesn’t guarantee them with every panel option. 

Financing Options

✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan
✔ Lease
✔ PPA

State Availability

Available in: Washington, D.C, Delaware, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia

Reputation and Reviews

The company landed on Solar Power World’s 2023 Top Solar Contractors List in the No. 10 spot.

The BBB accredits SEW, and the company holds an A+ rating. Former customers praise the company for its professionalism, assistance with applying for financial incentives, and smooth installation process. However, some reported discrepancies in finances and scheduling.

Blue Raven Solar

4.4

Blue Raven Solar has one of the best reputations for reliability and trustworthiness. It has won awards for its team and CEO, and customer reviews report great customer service and prompt installations. The company also stands out for its in-house financing, which includes 18 months of free solar energy.

Out of all solar brands in the market, 6.5% of our survey respondents chose Blue Raven.

How We Scored Blue Raven Solar

Blue Raven received 4.4 out of 5 stars according to our rating system. The company scored the most points for its customer service reputation and warranty coverage. It also earned points for providing all standard solar panel services but lost some due to its limited financing options and lack of roof leak coverage.

  • Solar Equipment and Services (18 out of 25 points): Blue Raven offers solar panel and battery installation, active monitoring services, and energy audits. However, it doesn’t offer solar roofs, EV chargers, or additional roofing services. 
  • Warranty and Performance Guarantees (22 out of 25 points): The company offers top-of-the-line warranties, including a 25-year workmanship warranty. The company earned points fo providing a performance guarantee, but its guarantee is shorter than many other providers. However, it doesn’t provide any roof leak coverage. 
  • Brand Reputation and Professional Certifications (13 out of 15 points): Blue Raven has high customer review ratings on its BBB profile and other popular review sites. The company uses in-house installers but doesn’t ensure they’re NABCEP-certified, which made it lose some points in this category.
  • Financing Options (12 out of 15 points): Blue Raven offers some of the best in-house financing of the companies this list, but it limits this financing to solar loans. You may want to consider a different provider, such as Sunrun, if you’re looking for a lease or PPA.
  • Industry Experience (7 out of 10 points): Blue Raven has less experience than other providers, with only 10 years in the industry.
  • State Availability (7 out of 10 points): The company limits its service area to 19 states.

Pros and Cons

Pros Offers SunPower’s high-efficiency panels and storage options Provides a unique in-house financing option which includes 18 months of free solar energy Recognized as one of the industry’s most reputable solar companies Cons Offers one of the shortest production guarantees among our reviewed companies Some customer reviews mention poor communication Workmanship warranty falls slightly below the industry standard

Warranty and Financing

Warranty

A Blue Raven system has a 25-year product warranty, a 10-year workmanship warranty, and a two-year production guarantee.

Financing Options

✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan

State Availability

Available in: Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington

Reputation and Reviews

Blue Raven has won numerous awards from Comparably, a site known for its company culture and reputation reviews. It also ranked No. 20 on Glassdoor’s Best Place to Work in the USA in 2021.

Blue Raven is accredited by the BBB and currently holds an A+ rating. We noted that customers praised the knowledgeable staff and prompt installation but cited poor communication after completing projects. We analyzed several consumer reviews and found that some of these issues stem from the company’s financing department and third-party installers.

Read our review of Blue Raven Solar for more information.


Our Conclusion

Most residential panels have similar dimensions, but the exact measurements vary based on brand, power output, and type. Professional solar installers will select the best solar panels for your energy needs and available roof space.

Get quotes from at least three providers to find the best options for going solar. If you’re concerned about your roof’s integrity, have a roofing contractor or solar installer check your roof’s condition.

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FAQ About Solar Panel Size

Can I customize my solar panel size?

No, you can’t customize your solar panel size. Manufacturers create solar panels in standard sizes. However, solar installers will match your total system size to your energy needs, using larger or more efficient panels if your home uses a lot of electricity.

Are solar panels too heavy for a roof?

No, solar panels aren’t too heavy for most modern roofs. However, older roofs may need repair or reinforcement to support solar panels. Your solar installer will check your roof’s integrity and make any recommendations for repair before installation.

What is the size of a typical home solar panel?

A typical home solar panel is 65 inches by 39 inches, or 5.5 feet by 3.25 feet, and weighs about 42 pounds. Panels may vary in size and weight depending on their total power output, type, and brand.

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