One of the primary concerns that will probably arise if you intend to put up some solar panels in your property is the size of such a system. Generally, most home solar panel installations in the United Kingdom employ either 60-cell or 72-cell panels, but how large are these systems actually? What size of the roof will be needed to install the system?
As a leading residential solar panel company, we’re here to break down the key details about solar panel sizes to help you plan your home renewable energy project. Our expert solar panel installation services team has helped hundreds of UK homeowners harness the power of the sun with systems custom-designed for their energy needs and available space.
Standard Residential Solar Panel Sizes in the UK
Most of the solar panels that are installed on residential property in the UK are available in two standard sizes: 60-cell and 72-cell. This is an indication of how many solar PV cells there are in each panel. The following table shows the usual measurements and power outputs of these popular panel sizes:
60-Cell Solar Panels
- Dimensions: 1.6 meters x 1 meter (5.4 feet x 3.25 feet)
- Power Output: 270-300 watts
- Weight: 18-20 kg (40-44 lbs)
72-Cell Solar Panels
- Dimensions: 2 meters x 1 meter (6.5 feet x 3.25 feet)
- Power Output: 350-400 watts
- Weight: 25-27 kg (55-60 lbs)
The wattage ranges that have been provided above correspond to the power produced by the most commonly sold solar panel products. Nonetheless, different brands and models provide different wattages per square foot, and some highly efficient models produce higher amounts of electricity.
The 60-cell panels are the most widely used in residential PV systems since their small size makes them easy to install on the roof. Additionally, the 60-cell panels are suitable where the roof has less space or there are some objects such as chimneys that need to be considered.
These kinds of panels can suit well a big family as well as a small business. Even though the 72-cell panels are bigger in size and heavier than the 60-cell panels, they come with high power generation capacity. This kind of panel suits well the homeowners that have sufficient rooftop space.
How Many Solar Panels Does a Typical UK Home Need?
The number of panels that will be required in order to install a home-based solar system will depend on many factors, which include:
- The daily electricity usage of the house
- The power capacity of the particular panels being used
- The available roof space
- The orientation of the roof and its shading
With these considerations in mind, here are some estimates for typical UK homes if working with a professional solar panel company for residential use:
- 1-2 bedrooms: 8-12 panels
- 3 bedrooms: 12-18 panels
- 4 bedrooms: 18-24 panels
- 5 bedrooms: 24-32 panels
These are the ranges based on the use of normal 60 cell panels. The low range in each would be ideal for a house with lower energy consumption needs or less roof area, whereas the higher end of the range would be suitable for a house with greater energy consumption needs.
Remember that these are just basic principles. All homes have different characteristics, and this is precisely why the best solar panel installation services begin any project by assessing the property as well as the energy needs of the house.
Advances in Solar Panel Technology
Like most technologies, solar PV panels continue to evolve and improve over time. In recent years, several panel design advances have enabled residential solar panel companies to get more power out of every roof.
One significant advancement made is in the form of monocrystalline PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell) solar panels. The enhanced structure of the cells enables the panel to capture more energy from the sun’s rays and turn it into power, making for increased efficiency ratings. Traditional 60-cell panels could produce 260-300 watts of energy, but monocrystalline 60-cell PERC panels can produce 300-340 watts.
Half-cut cell panels are yet another technological advancement which is rapidly gaining popularity among residential PV systems. Thanks to the halving of the solar cells, the designers can cut down on electrical losses and ensure higher durability. The half-cut panels are more resistant to shading effects, and they also remain cool.
The Bottom Line: Solar Panel Size
The 60 cell solar panel is the perfect choice when considering the dimensions and power generation capabilities of the solar panels for most UK families. Given that they have standard dimensions of 1.6 meters x 1 meter, they will be able to produce clean energy from the sun in a space-efficient manner.
But then again, every house has its own energy requirements and roof conditions that affect the design of the solar power system, which is why it’s so crucial to choose a residential solar panel installation company that knows what it’s doing. The design and installation services company will come up with a custom system for you, which will be tailor-made for your specific needs.
When you are prepared to move forward to make your home run by solar power, please contact us here at ECO Energy Packs. We would be happy to examine your house for its solar possibilities and come up with a perfect system for your requirements and budget.
