MEASUREMENTS OF SOLAR PANELS

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The measure of solar panels are what will determine how many solar panels fit into your roof and if enough space is available to meet the electricity demand of your home

MEASUREMENTS OF SOLAR PANELS

The measurement of the solar panels play an important role in your final installation plan, but it does not say it all. Here we explain what are the different dimensions and their role in the WP of the solar panel.

If you see a solar panel separately, then 2 elements are important: the size and capacity of the panel.

Capacity of a solar panel

Each solar panel has a maximum capacity of energy that it can generate. This is the so-called Watt Peak (Wp). This Wp is a unit of measure to express the total power of your solar panel.

This Wp has been measured according to the established STC standards and in a specific environment. (brightness of 1000W / m², 25 ° C, …)

This allows to compare each solar panel with another panel independently.

As an example we take Belgium, where the coefficient coefficient to convert this capacity to kWh . This coefficient is 0.85, but it depends on its exact location.

Sometimes, their actual capacity is therefore greater, but sometimes also less. Let your installer calculate the actual capacity of your solar panels.

Calculation example : if you have a solar panel of 250 Wp, expect an annual output of 210 kWh . (approximately, through the coefficient, this is exactly 213 kWh = 250 Wp x 0.85)

Measures of a solar panel

Standards have been developed on what the dimensions of solar panels may be, but not all manufacturers adhere to them.

For standard solar panels we can provide 2 different dimensions, but for thin film solar panels it is a small jungle in terms of measurements. Each brand has its own size there .

For standard solar panels, therefore, you can count on standards: most of the solar panels installed have a size of 164 cm x 99 cm . There is also an older brother that has a size of 196 cm x 99 cm .

Total performance per solar panel: capacity versus dimensions

Of course, the size of your solar panel is an important factor for capacity, but the number of solar cells in your solar panel is also important.

Then, you can compare the amount of solar cells with the quality of your solar panel. But this higher density of solar cells will be reflected in any case in the price per solar panel.

Location: horizontal or vertical

In itself, the size of an individual panel is not really important in your final installation plan . Only if there are doubts about the method of placement: portrait or landscape . Check if the solar panels adapt to your total installation plan.

Final conclusion for the measurements of the solar panels.

Let the size of a single solar panel only play a small role in your decision. It is your total installation plan that is important.

For example, if you have a large roof, you can opt for cheaper solar panels that have a slightly smaller capacity compared to smaller solar panels with high capacity.

On the other hand, if you want to load your roof with the least amount of solar panels possible, you and your installer can see if the smaller solar panels are an option.