The kind of material that the solar panel is made of affects its size and shape. Solar panels come in three different types of material: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. For example, monocrystalline is the most expensive and the most efficient option. It takes up less space and is lighter than thin-film material. Generally, the more efficient the solar panel is, the less space it takes up and the lighter it is.
Every brand of solar panels has slight variations in their dimensions and weights, according to manufacturing material. Although the weight of different brands of solar panels varies, an average 60 cell solar panel weighs about 40 pounds.
Other important factors are wattage and voltage/current requirements. A solar system is an array of interconnected solar panels that provide total system power in watts. The more wattage a solar system produces, the larger the surface area of the panels will be. Solar panels can be connected in a series or in parallel to increase voltage as needed.
Last, but not least, the size of your solar panel system must match desired electricity output needed, says Martin Desmond, a renewable energy expert with Wizer Energy. He says that you’ll need to “measure your overall electricity usage from your bill and make a note of the total kilowatt-hours spent.” It is important to account for fluctuations in consumption and usage, with weather changes and use of different appliances. It is best to over-assume your needs and generate excess power, which can be stored or sold back into the local grid.
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