Solar Panel Installation Dimensions

Many people are now opting to power and heat their homes by using renewable technologies. There are many different types of renewable technologies available, such as heat pumps (ground source and air source), hydroelectricity, biomass boilers, wind turbines and, of course solar panels. Solar panels are probably the most popular form of renewable technology, because many people have heard of this type of technology. Also, solar panels generally carry the least amount of risk of structural damage to your property and/or garden.

Solar Panel Installation Dimensions – Initial Requirements

Firstly, there are two types of solar panels:

Solar thermal panels – used to heat your home and hot water
Solar photovoltaic panels – used to provide you with electricity

The essential requirement for both these panels to work at maximum capacity is an unshaded, south facing roof. This may mean you require planning permission, particularly if you live in an old or listed building, or if your house is in a conservation area. Therefore, it is important to check with your local authority whether planning permission will be required.

Solar Panel Installation Dimensions – Solar Thermal

Solar thermal panels need to be big. In fact, it is possible to buy a solar thermal DIY package consisting of three panels from bigger stores such as B&Q. However, unless you are a plumber and electrician, choosing to install you solar thermal panels yourself is not a very good idea, as it requires some intricate plumbing and wiring.

The solar panel installation dimensions for solar thermal will vary slightly, but are usually around 2 meters wide by between 1.5 meters and 2 meters long and 10 centimetres deep. The entire space that these will take up will depend on how much of your heating and hot water you want to be provided by these panels, but you will generally require at least two or three panels.

Solar Panel Installation Dimensions – Solar Photovoltaic

Solar panel installation dimensions for solar photovoltaic will also depend on the exact type of panel you require. Panels are now even available that look like roof tiles and are hence very small, but you will need more of them. The total dimensions of your system will also depend on the amount of kilowatts you want to produce.

Standard solar panel installation dimensions are around 1500 millimetres long by 700 millimetres wide and 46 millimetres deep, but these dimensions can vary greatly.

As you can see, the solar panel installation dimensions will depend greatly on the type of panels you are looking for (thermal or photovoltaic) and on how many panels you will need to provide you with the right amount of energy for your property. However, as solar panel technology develops further, solar panel installation dimensions are becoming smaller and designs are being made to help the panels blend in to your existing roof as much as possible. This is particularly true for solar photovoltaic panels, which are becoming smaller and smaller as time goes on and knowledge about the technology further improves over time.