DOES THE SIZE OF A SOLAR PANEL MATTER?

When thinking about investing in solar energy, the size of the panel is often the most overlooked part of the entire process. Sizing does not just come down to the physical size of the panel in terms of length and width but also relates to the amount of power that a single panel puts out. So, in this blog, we will go over the advantages and disadvantages of having both, a medium and large-size panel.

The Advantages of Having a Larger Solar Panel

Having larger solar panels is great for larger applications such as RVs, cabin homes, and residential/commercial applications. They are ideal for producing high wattages to serve your desired usage better. On top of this, larger solar panels operate more efficiently than smaller panels simply due to having an increased surface area, allowing them to capture more sunlight per square inch when compared to smaller panels.

The Advantages of Having a Smaller Solar Panel

Smaller solar panels are great options no matter the application. Because of their compact size, you can use these panels to fill in open spaces in your solar array to boost the total amount of power produced by your system. Furthermore, you can use smaller panels for various applications without being constrained by their size. This makes them an easy go-to for your next solar project, no matter your desired application. Smaller panels are also great for beginners, who are new to solar energy.

The Disadvantages of Having a Larger Solar Panel

One of the main disadvantages of larger solar panels is the amount of space they take up. For example, let us say you will be installing 4 large 410W solar panels on your rooftop/, RV, etc., you will end up occupying a lot of real estate in the process. So, while large panels may have a higher output, they are more than twice the physical size of average 100W panels. Lastly, larger solar panels tend to operate less efficiently than smaller panels in comparison.

The Disadvantages of Having a Smaller Solar Panel

Smaller solar panels tend to have a lower output volume compared to those larger-sized panels. Another disadvantage to smaller panels is that while they may be smaller in size, it will take at least 2 to 3 panels to compensate for one larger panel’s output. At that rate, you are looking at more space being taken up than you would expect, like a single large panel.

Conclusion

As we close out this blog, we can unequivocally say that the size of a panel does matter as there are reasons to get smaller-sized panels for smaller and unique applications and larger panels for residential/commercial use as well as other large-scale applications. At the end of the day, it truly comes down to how much power you are getting for the physical size of the panel and more importantly, how much space you have altogether. A larger panel produces a higher power output but takes up more physical space, which is an important aspect when looking to mount a solar panel. On the flip side, a physically smaller panel will produce more power per inch, making it a considerable option if space is a determining factor for your next solar project.