People often ask why solar panels are so heavy. After all, they don’t have any moving parts, so why is there a need for such robust construction? The answer has to do with the science behind how solar panels work. This article will take a closer look at why solar panels are so heavy and what makes them so effective at converting sunlight into electrical energy.
Why are solar panels so heavy?
Solar panels are heavy because of the aluminum framing and tempered glass utilized to manufacture the solar panel.
Solar cells are the parts of the solar panel that generate electricity. They are made of semiconductor material, such as silicon, and are relatively light, weighing only a few hundred grams each. The aluminum framing and tempered glass utilized to manufacture the solar panel account for most of its weight.
Solar panels are designed to last for many years, so the weight of the materials used in their construction is not a significant concern. The durability of the materials is much more important than their weight.
Tempered glass is a safety glass frequently used in applications where strength and durability are essential. Tempered glass is made by heating ordinary glass to its softening point and rapidly cooling it.
This process strengthens the glass and makes it more resistant to breakage. While tempered glass is more robust than standard glass, it is also heavier, making it less ideal for specific applications. However, tempered glass is the industry standard for solar panels, as it needs to withstand the impact of a 1-inch diameter hail-stone traveling at 50 miles per hour.
In addition to its strength, tempered glass also has excellent thermal stability, making it resistant to temperature changes. As a result, tempered glass is an ideal material for solar panels.
How much do residential solar panels weigh?
Solar panels are typically around 40 pounds and are built to withstand all weather conditions. They usually have a lifespan of 20 to 30 years, making them a very durable investment.
Residential solar panels typically have standard dimensions of 66×40 inches for the panel, with a frame size of 1.25×1.6 inches. The panels usually weigh about 42 pounds each. These dimensions and weights can vary slightly from brand to brand but are generally the same across all residential solar panels.
The smaller size of residential panels makes them ideal for rooftop installations at residences. The weight of the panels is also manageable for most people, making installation and maintenance relatively easy. If you are considering installing solar panels at your residence, be sure to research the different brands and find the panel that best fits your needs in terms of size, weight, and price.
When it comes to the exact weight of solar panels, it varies between different solar panel manufacturers and models, and whether you are using polycrystalline, monocrystalline, or thin-film solar panels.
| Type of Solar Panel | Weight |
|---|---|
| SunPower | 33 – 41 lb |
| LG | 38 lbs |
| Canadian Solar | 40 – 51 lbs |
| Kyocera | 42 – 44 lbs |
| SolarWorld | 40 – 47 lbs |
| Hyundai | 38 – 41 lbs |
How much do commercial solar panels weigh?
Commercial solar panels are larger than residential solar panels, weighing around 50 pounds. Each module contains 72 solar cells, although some may have 98 cells. Despite the extra weight, commercial solar panels only weigh 2.5 pounds per square foot due to the larger size of the panel.
Commercial solar panels are generally 6.5 feet long and 3.5 feet wide, ideal for businesses with plenty of roof space.
In most home solar installations, 60-cell or 72-cell solar panels are used, while only 72-cell panels will be used in commercial facilities.
Is it possible to install solar panels on my roof?
When installing rooftop solar, it is crucial to make sure that your roof is in good condition and able to support the weight of the installation. This means that you should have a professional inspect your roof before starting the installation process.
They will be able to identify any areas that need to be repaired or strengthened before the solar panels are added. In addition, they will be able to advise you on the best way to support the weight of the panels so that they do not damage your roof. By taking these precautions, you can be sure that your solar installation will be safe and will not cause any damage to your property.
Weight of a 6kw solar panel system
A 6-kilowatt solar array is a sizable investment, cost, and installation. However, the benefits of solar energy make it an attractive option for many homeowners. A 20-panel, 6-kilowatt solar array will weigh roughly 800 pounds. This equates to around 2.3 pounds per square foot on a sloped roof and approximately 5 pounds on a flat roof.
The array will cover around 352 square feet, so it is essential to ensure enough space on the roof.
The roof angle is the final consideration. A slanted roof is good because it allows direct sunlight to hit the panels. However, if necessary, a flat roof can be employed. With appropriate planning and installation, a solar array may supply years of clean, renewable electricity.
Most roofs can withstand the weight.
Most of the time, your roof will be able to withstand the added weight of a typical solar panel installation.
According to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), your roof should be fine because it is intended to withstand up to 20 pounds of snow per square foot before becoming stressed. So the extra 3-4 pounds from the solar panels won’t make much difference.
What about the weight of snow that accumulates on top of your solar panels? The good news is that your roof can handle the extra weight, but snow can assist in cleaning your solar panels, according to the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (and rain does the same thing).
However, if you have any questions, have your roof inspected.
If you own a home with an older roof or are afraid that your roof will not be able to withstand the added weight, speak with a roofing business about having a structural engineer evaluate it.
This can help you assess whether your roof can hold the additional weight of the panels while not voiding your warranty if something goes wrong with your roof and damages your photovoltaic panels or mounting gear.
Why are solar panels so heavy? – In conclusion
Solar panels are relatively heavy because of the tempered glass as well as aluminum that is used in their construction. This should not be a concern for most people as most houses have a sturdy roof construction that will easily be able to handle the weight of solar panels.
