Should I shift to Solar Energy? How Big is a Solar Panel Should Be?

With the ever-rising cost of electricity and the ballooning demand, solar energy appeals more interesting today than in the previous years. With the continuous strides made to improve this technology, more and more businesses and homeowners are installing solar panels of different sizes in their homes and buildings, looking forward to a reduced bill. So why should you be left behind? In this blog, we will walk you through the reason why you should shift to solar energy and how big of a solar panel you should get.

Importance of Solar Panels

Solar panels are an essential component of the renewable energy sector that is encouraging sustainable living and combating climate change. Here are some reasons why solar panels are increasingly becoming important in today's world.

1. Solar panels generate clean and sustainable energy without any greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, traditional energy sources such as coal, oil, and gas emit substantial amounts of carbon dioxide and other harmful pollutants, contributing to global warming.
2. Solar panels provide a long-lasting and cost-effective solution to meet the growing energy demand. While fossil fuels are finite and their prices are volatile, solar energy is virtually inexhaustible and becoming increasingly affordable.
3. Solar panels are a low-maintenance and easy to install technology that requires minimal space and can be installed almost anywhere. They are perfect for decentralized applications such as off-grid households, streetlights, and mobile devices.
4. Solar panels can help reduce the dependency on the grid and provide energy autonomy to communities, especially in remote and underdeveloped regions. This can have significant socioeconomic benefits, including improved access to basic services and economic empowerment.
5. Solar panels are environmentally friendly and sustainable at every stage of their lifecycle, from raw material extraction to disposal. They can be recycled, repurposed, or decommissioned without causing any harm to the environment.

How Big is a Standard Solar Panel?

Like other technologies, solar panels have a standard size depending on their type. For residential solar panels, the typical dimension is 65 inches by 39 inches, with a little variation depending on the manufacturer. The same variation is observed in commercial solar panels, which usually measure around 78 inches by 39 inches. Both types usually have a depth of 1.5 to 2 inches.

What Factors Determine Solar Panel Size?

If you are considering a solar panel for your home or business, make sure to take note of the size. Despite the standard measurement, solar panels’ size may have some variation depending on the following factors:

1. Panel material. Solar panels may come in three different materials: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film. Each one of these different materials has its pros and cons.  Monocrystalline panels are more efficient, but also more expensive. Polycrystalline panels are cheaper and slightly less efficient, while thin-film is the least efficient of them all but it’s the lightest and therefore takes up the smallest amount of space.
2. Panel brand. Different solar panel brands have different sizes, shapes and designs.  Some may be particularly designed to fit narrow spaces or rooftops without having to sacrifice efficiency. Therefore, consider the space you need and pick a brand that can provide the exact size for your needs.  
3.  Wattage. The wattage of the solar panel determines how much energy it can produce and therefore, its size. Generally, higher-wattage panels will be larger than their lower-wattage counterparts.

What is the Average Area of a Single Solar Panel?

The average area of a single solar panel depends on its measurement, particularly its length, and width. Using the above-given figures, a residential 60-cell solar panel with a length of 65 inches and a width of 39 inches has a surface area of 2535 square inches or 17.6 square feet. On the other hand, a commercial-grade solar panel will have a surface area of 3042 square inches or 21.125 square feet.

Are Solar Panels Too Heavy for A Roof

If you plan to install a solar panel on your roof (the ideal location), you might be thinking about the weight. Fret not, roofs are designed to support heavier things, and solar panels are not that heavy. Their weight will not have that much of an impact. However, if your roof is dilapidated and needs repairs, settling this matter before installing a solar panel is best.

How Much Weight Do Solar Panels Add to a Roof?

The weight that a solar panel adds to a roof depends on the number and type of solar panels that will be installed. Most residential-grade solar panels weigh 40 pounds. If you plan to have three, it would be 120 pounds. In the case of commercial-grades one, the figure is a little bit higher.

But there are some outliers to these figures. With the help of technology, some manufacturers managed to have efficient solar panels that weigh less than others; one such example of this is the Anker 625 Solar Panel.

Anker Solar Panel 625 is an excellent and revolutionary solar panel that weighs only 11 pounds or 5 kilograms. This portable, foldable, and adjustable solar panel has a cell efficiency of 23% (a little above average) when set in direct sunlight and can also be used even on cloudy days.

Moreover, Anker 625 solar panels can also charge faster when chained to multiple panels. This solar panel is also equipped with Suncast guidance technology, enabling it to adjust the panels properly for optimal solar charging. It does not scratch easily, too, as it is designed to last longer with its scratch and weather-resistant specification. Lastly, Anker 625 Solar Panel is compatible with PowerHouse 521, 535, and 757 (sold separately), making it an ideal all-in-one power solution for road trips, camping trips, RVs, and more. The lightweight solar panel features a USB-C and a USB-A output port to charge two devices simultaneously.

Solar panels have revolutionized the world of clean and renewable energy. They help reduce carbon emissions, protect the environment, and are now more accessible than ever! With affordable, compact designs, just one small solar panel will generate enough electricity to power your home. If you're considering solar panels, don't hesitate to seek expert advice from Anker to make sure you make the right choice about panel size. Join the green revolution!

FAQ

What is the size of a solar panel?

The size of solar panels varies depending on a lot of factors like type, manufacturer, and panel material. However, generally speaking, a solar panel for residential use has a dimension of 65 inches by 39 inches. On the other hand, commercial-grade solar panels measure 78 inches by 39 inches.

What is the weight of a standard solar panel?

The weight of a standard solar panel varies depending on the manufacturer and the exact model. On average, solar panels weigh anywhere from 34 to 62 pounds. For residential solar panels, the standard dimensions are 66×40 inches for the panel, about 1.25×1.6 inches for the frame, and each panel usually weighs about 42 pounds.

How much does a 300-watt solar panel weigh?

A 300-watt solar panel can be considered residential-grade. This means it has a dimension of 64.5 X 39 X 1.6 inches. With these measurements and the average weight per square inch, a 300-watt solar panel weighs around 40-42 pounds, depending on the brand.