There is a solar panel to fit every home or business. They are easy to install and many sizes available to fit any need. On average, homeowners see up to $1,500 per year in savings on their energy bills. Over the course of a lifetime, that amounts to around $33,000.
Solar panels generally last more than 25 years, making them an excellent long-term investment for homeowners; when it comes to size, solar panels come in a variety of options.
In this article, we'll discuss how big solar panels are and what benefits come from installing a green energy source.
What is the Size of Solar Panels?
A common question to ask before considering solar panel installation is “how big are solar panels?” The answer depends on whether you're installing residential, business, or custom units.
Residential Solar Panels
Residential solar panels are designed to generate electricity for use in the home and typically have standard dimensions of 65 by 39 inches (5.4 feet by 3.25 feet) with an additional 1.25 by 1.6 inches for the frame. Each panel weighs approximately 42 pounds and takes up an area of 17.5 square feet.
It's most common for solar panels to be attached to the roof, but ground-mounted or standalone structures are options for homes with unusual roof structures or those who want to maximize their solar power potential.
Ground-mounted systems are particularly well suited for areas with ample sunlight and little shade. Standalone structures are ideal for locations where there is no suitable roof space, such as in an open field.
A range of tax incentives is available for residents who install solar panels on their property. These incentives make it easier to recoup the upfront investment in solar power and make “going green” even more affordable.
Business Solar Panels
Business solar panels are usually bigger than residential ones. They are made with more cells and offer a larger surface area. These panels can also be custom-built to fit the space available, especially for business rooftops that have unusual dimensions.
If a business buys standard-size commercial panels, the dimensions are 78 inches by 39 inches (6.5 feet by 3.25), and they weigh 50 pounds. Standard panels cover an area of 21.125 square feet.
Custom Solar Panels
Custom solar panels offer the perfect solution for those who need a specific size or shape to fit their available space. Many reputable solar panel manufacturers will work with you to build the perfect solution for your business or home. Working with a manufacturer ensures that your custom panels will meet your energy requirements and built to last.
In addition, custom solar panels can be used in difficult-to-reach or hard-to-maintain areas, such as rooftops or remote locations. With a bit of planning, custom solar panels can provide an efficient solution.
When deciding whether to invest or not, knowing how big are solar panels is only one factor. It's important to know the range of benefits solar panels have.
Benefits of Installing Solar Panels
Solar panel usage is on the rise as people take advantage of tax credits and the reduced costs of installation. Here are the other benefits you can expect by adopting solar panels at your home or business:
- Reduce carbon footprint
- Save on your energy bill
- Increased property value
- Solar power is everywhere
Reduce Carbon Footprint
Solar panels offer a clean and renewable alternative as the world becomes increasingly aware of the need to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, reducing your need for power from coal-fired power plants and other sources of air pollution.
Solar panels have a very small carbon footprint compared to traditional power generation methods. Over their lifetime, solar panels produce 20 times less carbon dioxide than conventional coal-powered fuel sources. This is a significant contribution to the fight against climate change.
Save On Your Energy Bill (and Even Make Money)
Solar power is a great way to reduce your monthly electricity bill. By installing solar panels on your home, you can generate your own electricity and sell back any excess power to the grid through net metering.
Check with your state's utility commission to see if net metering is available in your area. Only some states offer the same savings potential, so be sure to do your research before you make the investment.
To find out how much you can save, take the SmartSolar quiz and receive a personalized solar savings estimate.
Increased Property Value
Solar panels on your property help the environment and can increase your home's value. Many people are interested in sustainable and Earth-friendly practices, so having solar panels may make your home more attractive to potential buyers.
According to studies by Zillow, homes with solar panels are sold up to 10 days faster and for an additional 1.4% compared to homes without. So if you're planning on selling your home one day, installing solar panels may be a good investment.
Solar Power is Everywhere
Solar power is not just available for those who live in sunny climates or have enough space on their roofs. It's becoming increasingly easier to find solar panels no matter where you are.
Many companies now offer portable and flexible solar panels that can be used almost anywhere. These panels take up minimal space, making them perfect for use in RVs, boats, and remote cabins.
If you live in a colder state, you may think solar panels are not an option for you, but there are savings to be made even in areas with lower solar resources.
The Bottom Line
If you're interested in installing solar panels at your home or business, then contact SmartSolar.org. Here, you can take a quiz to find out how big are solar panels and what kind of savings you could expect from making the switch to solar power.
Meet the author:
Joey Cheek spent 10 years on the US National Speedskating Team where he competed in two Olympic Games, winning gold, silver, and bronze medals. He attended Princeton before diving into the startup and tech world. In 2011 he launched a livestreaming platform for sports before leading a team of engineers building next-gen news and content apps for Fortune 100 companies. He is the CEO and co-founder of SmartSolar.org, whose mission is to move the earth to cheap, abundant, carbon-free energy.
