Looking for information about how many solar panels you can fit on your roof? You‘re in the right place! This guide covers the things to keep in mind, including the size and weight of solar panels.
If you want us to do the calculation for you (without you having to read the whole article) - simply use our free tool and one of our experts Green Home Gurus will be happy to give you a call to discuss the specifics.
How much roof space is needed for solar panels?
How many solar panels can fit on your roof will not only depend on the size of your roof but whether you are able to utilise all of that space, or whether you have chimneys, skylights, roof windows, or anything else in the way. You will have to consider shading as well.
You will not have to worry about having roof space for solar energy batteries and inverters, as these can be installed within the property and will not take up roof space. They’re likely to be installed in a loft, a garage, or an internal storage space.
We consider all of these factors and more when helping you design the most efficient green investment for your property.
How big is a solar panel?
In recent years solar panels have become smaller but more efficient. Current solar panels used for domestic properties are about 65 inches by 39 inches, or 5.4 feet by 3.25 feet, with some variation among manufacturers.
What size solar panel do I need?
The size of PV panels you need depends on several factors. These include how much energy is used by your household throughout the day, where in the UK you live, and how much power your panels can generate.
Instead of spending time trying to figure out the PV panels size you need, you can get an estimate of how many panels you need in a matter of minutes using our free tool! Even better - we’ll give you an accurate estimate of what to expect in terms of savings, cost, and system wattage. You’re also able to choose to see the impact of adding a solar battery or EV charger to your system.
If you choose to proceed, your Guru will discuss how the amount of solar panels you can fit on your roof compares to how many panels would be enough for your energy needs and give you different options to consider. At the remote survey stage, your Guru will also model the exact placement of solar panels on your roof.
What is the weight of solar panels?
Let’s have a look at how much solar panels weight! The average weight for a residential solar panel is around 40 pounds. There can be a slight variation between the weight of different solar panel models.
Whether you are using polycrystalline or monocrystalline panels doesn’t significantly affect the weight, but it can impact how many solar panels you will need in total. For example, although the difference isn’t huge, monocrystalline solar panels are more efficient than polycrystalline panels, and will therefore work better for properties where roof space is limited. Note that thin-film solar panels is a more lightweight option but the least efficient of them all.
When creating a PV system design, we will consider the total weight of the installation, and the impact it will have on your roof.
How close can solar panels be to the edge of the roof?
Panels should never extend beyond the edge of the roof as the wind can be stronger there. To keep your property safe, we try to maintain a margin of 15-20cm around the panels.
What is the maximum number of solar panels allowed in the UK?
There is no limit to the number of solar panels you can have but there is a limit on how many solar panels can fit on your roof.
When calculating the maximum number of solar panels that can fit on your roof, it is always important to ensure that there is enough space for them (a flat roof may require more space!) and that the structure of your roof can support the weight of the solar panels.
Can you have too many solar panels?
Yes, as it does not always make sense economically to install as many solar panels as your roof can possibly fit. This could be because you don’t need as many panels to generate the electricity your household uses, for example. Larger PV systems can also require more, or more expensive, material and incur higher installation costs.
We hope this article provided the answers you were looking for. If you need more information about solar panels – we’ve got you covered! Head over to our Green Guides section or check out our Gurus FAQs about everything solar equipment, solar installations, and taking care of your panels!
