DIMENSIONS OF SOLAR PANELS
Before you can calculate how many solar panels you can place on your roof, you must first know what the dimensions of the average solar panels are . In this article you can read all about the size of the solar panels.
DIMENSIONS OF SOLAR PANELS
Solar panels have different dimensions. On average, it can take into account a size of approximately 1.5 m2 per panel. The exact dimensions, however, depend on the capacity of the solar panels.
The capacity of a solar panel indicates how much energy the solar panel can generate. This capacity is expressed in Watt peak (Wp). The more power, the bigger the solar panel. See the standard dimensions of a solar panel per capacity below:
| Type of solar panel | Power | Standard size |
|---|---|---|
| Small solar panels | 190 – 215 Wp | 1.58 x 0.81 meter |
| Normal solar panels | 245 – 270 Wp | 1.65 x 1.00 meter |
| Large solar panels | 270 – 300 Wp | 2.00 x 1.00 meter |
Most solar panels have a capacity of 250 Wp. The standard size of these solar panels is, therefore, 1.65 x 1.00 meters.
Note that this is the standard size, so the dimensions of certain solar panels may differ. The thickness of the photovoltaic modules also varies from one case to another, but on average it is between 35 and 50 mm.
What surface does your roof have?
You already know the standard dimensions of solar panels . To calculate how many solar panels you can install on your roof, you also need to know how big your roof is.
The average roof area is 60 m2 per home, this value varies from country to country and from house to house. The amount of solar panels that you can install depends on whether you have a sloping or flat roof.
Inclined roof
A sloping roof can, in principle, be used in its entirety for solar panels. However, there are some obstacles that you should consider, such as:
- The space occupied by windows or chimneys, including shade.
- Any shade of buildings or trees in the area.
- location of your roof: solar panels can be placed better to the south, but a direction to the west or east is also adequate
When installing solar panels, you should always consider the so-called no-go zone. This is the distance that must be obligatory between the solar panels and the eaves, due to the strong whirlwinds that arise in the eaves.
For a secure placement, it is best to maintain a no-go zone of approximately 20 cm.
Flat roof
Solar panels on a flat roof are usually placed at an angle for the best performance. The solar panels are therefore inclined.
As a result, solar panels can not be placed too close to each other, as they will be placed in the shadow of the other. The greater the angle of the slope, the more distance you must maintain between the solar panels.
For a flat roof, suppose a space requirement of approximately 2.5 m2, per solar panel of 1.5 m2.
You will also have to deal with a forbidden area with solar panels on a flat roof. This prohibited area is established by law. If you want solar panels to be installed without a permit , you must maintain a distance from the edge of the roof that is equal to the height of the solar panel.
For example, is your solar panel 50 centimeters tall? Then, you should also place this panel at least 50 centimeters from the edge of the roof. It is best to keep a minimum distance to the edge of the roof from 0.5 to 1 meter.
How many solar panels do you need?
The space in your roof and the dimensions of the solar panels are not the only factors that play a role in determining the number of solar panels.
The average energy consumption of your home also plays an important role in this story. After all, you do not want to generate 4,000 kWh of energy each year, while you only use 2,500 kWh of energy.
To help you, the table below shows the average energy consumption per household and the amount of solar panels you need to cover this consumption.
| Number of people in the household | Avg Annual electric consumption in kWh. | Wp solar panels required for consumption (kWh / 0.85) | Number of panels (250 Wp per panel) |
|---|---|---|---|
| one | 2,300 | 2,700 | eleven |
| two | 3,400 | 4.000 | 16 |
| 3 | 4.100 | 4,800 | twenty |
| 4 | 4,600 | 5,400 | 22 |
| 5 | 5,300 | 6,200 | 25 |
| 6 | 5,400 | 6.350 | 26 |
Is your home made up of 3 people? Then your energy consumption will probably be around 4,100 kWh per year. To generate this amount with solar panels you need 20 photovoltaic modules.
For an installation of this type, you will pay around € 9,100, including investor and installation costs .
Of course, you can also choose to have a smaller installation installed. Simply supplement the energy that you lack with the regular energy of your energy provider .
Solar panels on your roof.
Now you have more information about the three factors that determine to a large extent how many solar panels you can install: the dimensions of the solar panels, the space on your roof and your energy consumption. It is always advisable to have the personal advice of a specialist.
Solar panels are not a regular product and each situation may differ. Therefore, always contact a specialist first and generate your own energy this summer!
Size of solar panels, what size are they?
The size of a solar panel is a factor that determines how many solar panels you can place on your roof. AND
The number of solar panels that you can place on your roof depends, on the one hand, on the size of the solar panels and, on the other hand, on the situation.
Solar panels with solar cells generally have fixed dimensions that depend on the capacity of the solar panels.
We distinguish between:
1) Standard solar panels, dimensions 165 x 99 cm. This size is generally used for solar panels with a capacity between 245 and 285 WP.
2) Large solar panels, size 195 x 99 cm. This size is generally used for solar panels with a capacity greater than or equal to approximately 300WP.
3) CIS solar panels usually with smaller dimensions. The best-selling Solar Frontier has a size of 126 x 100 cm.
Small solar panels with dimensions of 158 x 81 cm are also on the market, but they are almost never used.
The dimensions of the thin film solar panels are vastly different and different according to the manufacturer. The market leader, Solar Frontier, uses a dimension of 126 x 100 cm for its 170WP panel. However, the question is how long these panels will be available. Solar Frontier has indicated that it will stop distribution in Europe.
With the dimensions of the solar panels, you can now create your own installation plan. In this way, you can see if you can better position the solar panels horizontally (horizontally) or vertically (vertical).
An area called No-Go also applies to sloped roofs: a space of approximately 20 centimeters between the solar panels and the eaves. Along with the dimensions of solar panels, you can now determine how many solar panels you can place on your roof.
