Find out the average dimensions of residential solar panels and the different types available
Figuring out how solar panels will fit on your roof and how many you’ll ultimately need are common questions when considering a solar energy system. While your specific energy needs and your home’s characteristics play a big role in the overall system design, understanding the building blocks — the solar panels themselves — is a crucial starting point.
This guide will walk you through the typical dimensions and common types of residential solar panels, focusing on their standard physical characteristics.
In this article:
- Standard residential solar panel dimensions
- A note on residential vs. commercial solar panel sizes
- Factors influencing solar panel dimensions
- Types of solar panels
- How to choose the right solar panel size for your needs
Standard residential solar panel dimensions
Solar panels are often discussed in two size variations: the number of cells and the physical size in inches/feet. There aren’t many panel sizes to consider, but knowing the differences between them is important as you prepare your home for installation.
Number of cells
Solar panels are built from individual photovoltaic cells. A typical panel contains 60-96 six‑inch‑square cells, and each cell can generate roughly 4-5 watts of electricity under peak sunlight. For residential installations, the most common format is the 60‑cell panel arranged in a 6 × 10 grid.
Physical size
The physical size of a solar panel is typically described as its length and width. Standard 60-cell solar panels are approximately 65 in x 39 in (5.4 ft x 3.25 ft, or 17.55 sq ft). Newer or higher wattage panels may have slightly different dimensions.
Panel thickness and weight
Besides their length and width, solar panels also differ in how thick and heavy they are. These differences often come from the type of solar cells inside and how the panel is built. For example, most home solar panels are crystalline types (like monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and PERC) that use a sturdy frame.
Below are typical ranges for many common solar panels:
- Thickness: Most panels have a depth between 1.18 and 1.57 inches. A thickness of 1.38 inches (35mm) is very common.
- Weight: While some panels can weigh as little as 41 pounds or as much as 77 pounds, the typical weight range is between 44 and 55 pounds.
In contrast, thin-film solar panels are known for being much lighter, but they’re less common for home installations.
A note on residential vs. commercial solar panel sizes
As a homeowner, you may see some solar panels on the market that are meant for commercial use. These are typically larger-format panels on ground mounts. The biggest differences between commercial and residential solar panels are their size and functionality. Commercial solar panels are typically 78 in x 39 in (6.5 ft x 3.25 ft) and have 72 cells. They’re built to generate more electricity due to their size and are more cost-efficient since they don’t have to be as aesthetically pleasing.
Factors influencing solar panel dimensions
There is a range of factors that impact the dimensions of solar panels. They have come a long way since the first solar homes in the 1970s. Whether the panels are larger to increase their output or lighter because of their composition, they are all factors you should consider before a purchase.
- Manufacturers and technological diversity: Different solar manufacturers and technologies lead to variations in panel size.
- Evolution of solar panel technology: Technological advancements over time have contributed to changes in panel dimensions.
- Market demand and energy production needs: The demand for higher-output panels impacts their size and design — this is why commercial panels are larger than residential ones.
Types of solar panels
There are currently four main types of solar panels on the market: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, thin-film, and PERC. Let’s break down their unique pros and cons, including information about the materials they’re made from.
Monocrystalline solar panels
Monocrystalline solar panels are the most common type of solar panels used today, a popularity driven by their sleek design and high efficiency. In this context, solar panel efficiency refers to the percentage of sunlight hitting the panel that is converted into usable electricity. Their cells are made from a single, pure silicon crystal, which results in their signature all-black appearance with rounded corners.
The uniform crystal structure of monocrystalline panels makes them highly efficient, with modern panels featuring efficiency ratings that can range from 16%-24%. This high performance generally corresponds to a higher upfront cost; monocrystalline panels cost approximately $1-$1.50 per watt (before installation), while polycrystalline panels are a bit cheaper at $0.90-$1 per watt.
Most crystalline solar panels are durable, with a lifespan of 25+ years, and most manufacturers offer 25-30-year power warranties. While all solar panels experience a gradual decline in energy output over time (a process known as degradation), monocrystalline technology often holds a performance advantage. The degradation rate is approximately 0.5% per year for monocrystalline panels, compared to 0.6% per year for polycrystalline.
Polycrystalline solar panels
Polycrystalline solar panels, also called multi-crystalline, are a common alternative to monocrystalline panels. They’re made by melting multiple silicon fragments together, a process that creates their signature blue, speckled appearance with perfectly square-shaped cells.
This simpler manufacturing process results in a lower upfront cost but comes with a trade-off in performance. Polycrystalline panels are generally less efficient than their monocrystalline counterparts, with most landing between 13%-16% efficiency. They also tend to degrade at a slightly faster rate over their lifespan. Because of this, polycrystalline panels can require more roof space to produce the same amount of power and are now more often seen in older residential systems or large‑scale installations where space is less constrained.
Thin-film solar panels
Thin-film solar panels are a different kind of solar technology compared to the more common crystalline silicon panels. Their main advantage comes from how they’re made: they’re lightweight, flexible, and can be manufactured with less material waste.
However, that lighter design comes with some trade-offs. Thin-film panels are less efficient, typically converting about 6%-15% of sunlight into electricity. They also don’t last as long as traditional panels. Because of their lower efficiency, they need a lot more surface area to produce the same amount of energy. That’s why you’ll mostly see them used in building-integrated photovoltaics, commercial, and utility-scale projects where space isn’t a major concern, rather than on residential rooftops.
Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell (PERC) solar panels
PERC solar panels, short for Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell, are an enhanced version of traditional crystalline silicon panels. What sets them apart is a special reflective layer added to the back of each solar cell. This layer bounces some of the sunlight that would normally escape back into the cell, giving it another shot at being converted into energy. Many PERC panels also include coatings that help reduce energy loss, making them more efficient overall.
That added efficiency makes a real difference. Studies have shown that PERC technology can boost energy conversion by more than 1% compared to standard crystalline panels. PERC panels also tend to perform better in low-light and high-temperature conditions, which can be helpful depending on your roof orientation or local climate.
Because of these benefits, PERC panels are gaining popularity among homeowners. They’re increasingly featured in newer residential solar systems thanks to their strong performance in a compact footprint.
Solar panel types: a comparison
| Solar panel type | Pros | Cons |
| Monocrystalline | • Sleek all‑black look that blends with many roofs • Proven, widely available technology • High efficiency (~16%-24%) • Durable with a long lifespan and slow degradation rate (~0.5 %) | • Higher upfront cost |
| Polycrystalline | • Lower upfront cost than monocrystalline panels • Proven, widely available technology | • Less efficient (~13%-16%) and require more roof space • Slightly faster degradation (~0.6 %) •Blue, speckled appearance may not suit all aesthetics |
| Thin-film | • Lightweight and often flexible • Less silicon material used in manufacturing | • Lowest efficiency (~6%-15%), requiring much more surface area • Shorter typical lifespan and warranties • Rarely used on residential rooftops |
| PERC | • Boosts the efficiency of crystalline panels • Performs better in low‑light & high‑temperature conditions • Produces more power per square foot, so you may need fewer panels | • Slightly higher cost than standard non-PERC panels |
How to choose the right solar panel size for your needs
Now that you understand the key differences in solar panel technology, the next step is determining the right system size and layout for your home. Factoring in your roof’s structure, your home’s energy needs, and your specific budget to create an optimal design is where professional expertise becomes essential. A qualified installer can analyze these variables to create a plan tailored to your needs.
Ready to see what that looks like for your home? With Aurora Solar, you can instantly compare quotes from multiple vetted solar installers, with upfront system‑size and pricing estimates, all in one place.
