How Panel Size Impacts Your Solar System

Key Takeaways

• While solar panels have standardized sizes to help installation companies make installation easier, you can also order larger panels if needed.
• Larger solar panels offer more square footage to absorb sunlight and more solar cells, making them a more efficient option to solar smaller panels.
• Due to increased energy needs and additional installation space, commercial solar panels are typically slightly larger than the average residential solar panels.
• Larger solar panels mean less labor to install the panels, which can decrease overall costs; however, they may also require additional roof support, which can offset those savings.

There is no one-size-fits-all photovoltaic panel or solar panel, as they come in various sizes depending on their application, design, and purpose. Understanding how solar panel sizes impact their efficiency and use case is important when considering the switch to renewable energy. Below, we’ll answer the question “How big are solar panels?” while also exploring their energy output related to size, the space requirement for installation, and more.

What Are the Standard Dimensions of Residential Solar Panels?

So, how big are solar panels? The standard residential solar panel size is 65 inches by 39 inches, has 72 cells, and generates between 250 and 400 watts of electricity. Some of the most efficient panels have a power output of up to 445 watts each.

Some manufacturers may produce residential panels with slight size variations, but most adhere to the above dimensions. This consistency in sizing makes for smoother and more efficient solar installation without fear of compatibility issues between different panel brands.

Size isn’t the only variable in a solar panel system, as they also come in various types, including monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film. Each type of solar panel has unique characteristics that influence its performance and suitability for various settings.

• Monocrystalline panels: These are highly efficient and sleek solar panels, making them a popular choice for homeowners with limited roof space and who want a sleek appearance. However, they are among the most expensive solar panel options.
• Polycrystalline panels: These panels are more affordable but slightly less efficient and not as aesthetically pleasing. They thrive in larger installations where space is not a constraint.
• Thin-film panels: These are the least efficient solar panels of the group but are also the least expensive. They may also be flexible, making them ideal for non-standard installations requiring panel bending. You’ll often see these in portable applications.

How Big Are Solar Panels Used for Commercial or Industrial Purposes?

Commercial and industrial solar panels are often larger than residential panels. The average solar panel size in a commercial application is approximately 78 inches by 39 inches with 96 cells. These 96-cell panels have an average panel output of 500 watts, making them more suitable for large-scale energy needs.

Commercial solar panels’ higher wattage output means businesses can install fewer panels to meet their energy needs than residential installations. This can help them maximize space and lower installation costs.

Installing solar power in commercial settings often involves advanced technologies like solar tracking systems. These systems can further enhance energy production by tracking the sun and adjusting the panel angle to maximize energy production, helping businesses achieve a faster return on investment while reducing their carbon footprint and electricity bill.

How Does the Size of the Solar Panel Affect the Amount of Energy it Outputs?

The size of a solar panel can significantly impact energy output.

First, larger panels generally have more surface area to absorb sunlight, which can lead to higher electricity generation. Plus, with more surface area, they can also have a higher number of solar cells. Other factors also influencing solar panel energy output include:

• Panel efficiency: Not all panels have the same efficiency when capturing and converting solar energy into electricity. Opting for a higher-efficiency panel means the business owner or homeowner can opt for a smaller solar panel system without sacrificing power generation.
• Panel technology: New solar panel technology is constantly arriving, increasing panel efficiency. For example, bifacial solar panels capture sunlight from both sides, increasing their energy generation without expanding their footprint.
• Local environmental conditions: Your local climate also greatly impacts solar panel output. If you live in an area where the sun hides behind the clouds most of the year, you’ll see far less power generation. However, a solar panel’s output could be significantly higher in consistently sunny areas.

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Can I Customize the Size of Solar Panels to Fit Specific Spaces?

You can order custom solar panel sizes, but they often have limitations. Some manufacturers offer bespoke solutions. They can build panels tailored to fit specific dimensions or unique installation spaces. This customization can benefit homeowners and businesses with limited roof space or unconventional designs.

For example, custom solar panels can be helpful in tightly packed urban environments with small roof spaces or historic districts where the government regulates building aesthetics. They allow property owners to equip their buildings with solar energy without compromising the building’s design or functionality.

However, customized panels often come at a cost and may be less efficient. Standard-size panels usually ensure better performance and cost efficiency thanks to economies of scale in production and installation. If you feel you may need a custom solar panel system, you should consult with a knowledgeable installer to understand the limitations and decide if you actually need a custom design.

You’ll also want to consider the type of solar technology you plan to use. For example, opting for thin-film solar panels allows the installer to adapt the panels to fit irregular shapes easily. This adaptability can open up new possibilities for integrating solar energy into your property while maintaining its unique character.

You also need to account for the installation process for customized panels, which can differ significantly from a standard solar panel installation. Custom solar panels may require more intricate engineering assessments and design planning, extending project timelines and increasing costs.

How Much Space Do I Need on My Roof to Install Solar Panels?

The roof space you need to install depends on your energy needs and the size of the panels selected. A typical solar array that covers a home’s complete energy use may consist of 15 to 20 panels. With a typical residential panel size of 6.5 feet by 3.25 feet, each panel will require about 21 square feet. So, you’ll need roughly 315 to 420 square feet of roof space for the average residential solar system.

This is only a rough estimate based on averages. To get the exact number of solar panels you’ll need, you must calculate your energy consumption, the solar production ratio for your area, and the panel wattage.

Start by reviewing 12 months of electricity bills to see how many kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy you use in a year. Let’s say you used 10,000 kWh over the last 12 months for this example.

Next, determine your area’s solar production ratio. These are as follows:

• Northeast: 1 to 1.3
• Pacific Northwest: 1 to 1.15
• Southwest:5 to 1.8
• Mid-Atlantic:1 to 1.35
• Southeast:2 to 1.5
• Mountain West:3 to 1.6
• West Coast:4 to 1.8
• Midwest:1 to 1.3

Finally, you’ll need the solar panels’ wattage rating. You can contact the solar panel company to get this. We’ll use 320 watts per panel for our example.

The formula you’ll use is your annual electricity use ÷ production ratio ÷ solar panel wattage = number of panels needed.

Assuming you live in the southeast, the numerical formula would be 10,000 ÷ 1.2 ÷ 320 = 26.04. So, you’d need roughly 26 to 27 panels at the lowest production ratio in the southeast.

How Does the Thickness of a Solar Panel Vary Between Different Models?

Solar panel thickness can vary significantly based on the panel technology and design. Most traditional monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels measure approximately 1.2 to 2 inches thick. As their name implies, thin-film solar panels are significantly thinner than crystalline solar panels at just 0.2 to 0.6 inches thick.

Thinner panels can offer advantages in weight, flexibility, and appearance. However, thinner panels may also result in lower efficiency and energy output, so the proper solar panel thickness depends on your specific installation requirements and energy goals.

Does the Size of Solar Panels Impact Installation Costs?

The average cost to install solar panels — just the labor itself — is 59 cents per watt, which generally accounts for about 10% of the total system cost. However, that cost can vary depending on the system’s setup, installation difficulty, and solar panel size.

That said, solar panel size has an inverse relationship with cost, meaning larger panels may reduce installation costs per-watt basis because you’ll need fewer panels to achieve your desired energy output.

The downside is larger panels can present challenges, such as increased weight that may require more structural support on roofs. So, when considering panel size and cost savings, you’ll want to assess your energy needs and the installation site’s suitability. A professional solar panel installer evaluating your site and energy needs can help you balance your budget and solar system efficiency.

Understanding Solar Panel Sizes and How it Impacts Cost and Efficiency Can Help Save Money

Answering the question “How big are solar panels?” gives you a firm understanding of the various dimensions and factors surrounding solar panel sizes, which can help you make informed decisions about solar energy. Whether you need solar panels for a residential home or commercial applications, choosing the right solar panel size can help you blend efficiency, cost, and space use, giving you the best bang for your buck.

If you want to switch to green energy and reduce your carbon footprint without investing in a solar panel system, Just Energy can help. Our energy plans offer the option to upgrade to 100% green energy, so you can do your part without a significant upfront investment.

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