The Complete Solar Panel Size Guide

If you are wondering about the size of solar panels, our guide has you covered. The typical dimensions, weight, and number of solar cells.

Are you considering going solar but feel overwhelmed by all the technical jargon? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! One of the most confusing aspects of solar panel installation is figuring out the right size for your needs. But fear not, we got you covered.

In this article, we’ll explore the different sizes of solar panels and how to determine the right number for your home or business. We’ll discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each size, as well as the weight and dimensions you can expect.

For the fun and adventurous bunch, we’ll even throw in a section on portable and RV solar panels for all your road-tripping and lake party needs.

So let’s get started on demystifying the world of solar panel sizes! But before we cannon ball in, let’s quickly cover the basics of solar energy.

Solar energy is a clean, renewable energy source that is produced by converting sunlight into electricity. It is a popular choice for environmentally conscious homeowners and businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on energy costs. The use of solar energy has been steadily increasing in recent years as the technology has become more affordable and efficient.

Residential solar installations increased 34% from 2020 to 2021!!! The time for the green revolution is now.

Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s get to the main event: solar panel sizes!

Common Solar Panel Sizes For Residential and Commercial Installations

There are 3 main sizes you will encounter when shopping for residential or commercial solar panel systems. Lets cover some basics of each.

60-Cell Solar Panels

These are the most common solar panel size for residential installations. As the name suggests, 60-cell panels are structured as a 6 x 10 grid and contain 60 photovoltaic cells. Photovoltaic cells are what converts sunlight into electricity.

60-cell panels are the smallest solar panel used for residential installs, with dimensions of approximately 3.25 feet by 5.5 feet. They are also lightweight, with an average weight of 40-60 pounds. This makes them easy to handle and install.

72-Cell Solar Panels

72-cell panels are larger than 60-cell panels, with dimensions of approximately 3.25 feet by 6.42 feet. They are structured as a 6 x 12 grid. As the name suggests, they contain 72 photovoltaic cells. This makes them slightly more efficient at converting sunlight into electricity.

72-cell panels are another popular choice for residential installations. They can be more difficult to handle and install due to their larger size and weight. Unless you are an elite athlete or mammoth of a human, it recommended to have two people assist with the installation of these panels to ensure safety. The last thing you want to do is drop it and need to repair your solar panel before even using it.

If you are having a hard time imagining what these dimensions look like in real life, here is a video that should put it in perspective:

96-Cell Solar Panels

While 60-cell and 72-cell panels are the most common sizes for residential installations, 96-cell panels are more often used in commercial installations. These panels are structured as an 8 x 12 grid and measure 41.5 inches by 62.6 inches. Their high efficiency makes them a preferred choice of businesses looking to maximize energy production.

The Dimension of Solar Panels

Now that we’ve covered the different sizes and weights of solar panels, let’s take a closer look at their dimensions. If you’re a visual learner, you’ll definitely want to check out the size chart below, which compares the width, height, and depth of 60-cell, 72-cell, and 96-cell panels.

As you’ll see, the dimensions of solar panels can vary slightly depending on the manufacturer and product used. It’s important to consider the dimensions of the panels when determining the right fit for your home or business.

Now, without further ado, here is the size chart:

Solar Design	Width	Height	Depth
60-cell	39”	66”	1.3” – 1.6”
72-cell	39”	77”	1.3” – 1.6”
96-cell	41.5”	62.6”	1.38”

How Many Solar Panels Will You Need?

We cover this in depth in our article: How many solar panels do I need? The ultimate guide, but here are some of the basics.

For starters, you’ll need to know how much energy you use each month. Take a look at your monthly energy bills and find out your kilowatt-hour (kWh) usage. This will give you a baseline for how much energy your solar panels will need to generate.

As a general rule of thumb, it takes a 6.5 kW solar array to offset 100% of the average American’s energy usage, which is 867 kWh per month. But how many solar panels does it take to reach that 6.5 kW mark?

It really depends on the size and efficiency of the panels you choose. If you’re using 60-cell panels that range from 285W to 315W, you can expect to need 18-23 panels to reach a 6.5 kW system. Here’s the math to show you how we arrived at that estimate:

6500W / 285W = 22.8 (rounded up to 23 panels) 6500W / 315W = 20.6 (rounded up to 21 panels)

And if you’re using 72-cell panels that range from 335W to 375W, you will need fewer panels to reach the same 6.5 kW mark:

6500W / 335W = 19.4 (rounded up to 20 panels) 6500W / 375W = 17.3 (rounded up to 18 panels)

As you can see, the size and efficiency of your solar panels can make a big difference in the number of panels you’ll need. So it’s important to consider this factor when choosing your panels.

Off The Grid With Portable Solar Panels, The Sizes You Will Need

If you’re an adventurer at heart or want to drop out of the rat race, you might be wondering how you can take your solar power on the go. Whether you’re hitting the road in an RV, setting sail on a boat, or just want to power up a remote cabin in the woods, portable solar panels are the way to go.

Unlike traditional 60 and 72-cell panels, which are currently standard in the residential solar panel industry, portable solar panels come in a wide range of sizes to fit your specific needs. You can find tiny 5-watt panels that take up less than 1 square foot of space, or larger panels that are almost full-sized at 32” x 62”.

The size of the panel that is right for you will depend on your energy needs and the amount of space you have available for installation. If you’re tight on space, you’ll want to choose a smaller panel that can still meet your energy needs. Alternatively, if you have plenty of room to spare, you might opt for a larger panel that can generate more power.

Standard Outputs For Portable Solar Panels

Most portable solar panels come in standard 12-volt or 24-volt output, which makes them easy to use with a variety of off-grid systems. Whether you’re running a fridge, charging up your phone, or powering a remote cabin, you can find a panel that will meet your needs.

Solar Panel Sizes For Your RV Or Boat

Whether you’re a full-time RVer or just enjoy the occasional weekend getaway, portable solar panels can be a great addition to your rig. With a portable panel, you can enjoy the freedom of the open road without having to worry about running out of power.

The same goes for boaters. Whether you’re sailing the high seas or just hanging out at the lake, portable solar panels can help you keep your batteries charged and gadgets powered up.

So if you’re ready to go off the grid and take your solar power with you, investing in a portable solar panel system is the way to go. It’s an easy and convenient way to enjoy all the benefits of solar energy, wherever your adventures take you.

Conclusion

There you have it, everything you need to know about solar panel sizes. Whatever your solar goals, we hope you found what you were looking for.

We discussed the different sizes of solar panels available for residential and commercial installations, as well as the physical dimensions and weight of these panels. We discussed how to calculate the number of panels you’ll need to meet your energy needs and offered tips for safely handling and installing larger panels.

As you know by now, there is a lot to consider when it comes to solar panel sizes. But don’t let that overwhelm you! Just take your time, consider your energy needs and available space, and choose the panel size that’s right for you.

Whether you’re a solar newcomer or a seasoned pro, we hope this guide has helped you understand the ins and outs of solar panel sizes. Now it’s time to start enjoying the benefits of clean, renewable energy!

Thanks for reading!!!