Solar panels come in many different sizes and shapes. Technologies are advancing at a rapid pace and manufacturers are constantly innovating and getting more power from their solar panels. As a result, more and larger solar cells are manufactured in a solar panel and new solar panel sizes are continually being added. Quite difficult for installers, because which solar panel dimensions do you choose? And which dimensions are suitable for residential construction, for example?
The correct solar panel dimensions for residential construction
For installers who are involved in installing solar panels in the residential market on a daily basis, it is important to choose a 'manageable' solar panel. It is good to look at the size and weight. It is often not practical for installers to work with heavy and large-format solar panels at height. In the overview below you will find various solar panel sizes under 2 m2. These panels are ideal for the residential market.
The correct solar panel dimensions for commercial roofs or PV fields
For solar panel projects on company roofs or large PV fields, large format solar panels can be considered. Bifacial solar panels are also extremely suitable for these types of projects, we previously wrote an article about this. Bifacial panels are solar panels that generate output on both sides. Large format solar panels and bifacial solar panels are on the rise and are expected to become the standard in the coming years.
Look carefully at the number of WP/m2
With all the different sizes and new technologies coming onto the market, it is sometimes difficult to determine what to look for. In any case, it is wise to look carefully at the number of peak watts per square meter (expressed in WP/m2). The higher this number, the higher the efficiency number and the more WP power you get from a roof surface. In the table above you will also find the number of WP/m2 and the efficiency of the solar panels.
With increasing WP capacities, the dimensions also increase. Solar panels with a high power and a compact size achieve a high WP/m2 and are therefore seen as good panels when you look at their performance. Our advice is therefore not only to look at the power of a panel, but rather at the combination of power and size.
