What’s the Average Solar Panel Size and Weight? (2024)
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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.
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 Feature | Residential Solar Panels | Commercial 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 |
What Factors Affect Solar Panel Size?
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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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