Density Of Solar Panels

Solar panels usually range in wattage output from around 250 watts to 400 watts but some panels exceed the 400 watt mark.

Density of solar panels. The amount of solar energy that reaches the earth s surface after subtracting all the reflections and absorptions that take place in the atmosphere is equal to 85 000 billion w. In a 6 kilowatt solar installation made up of 20 solar panels the panels alone will weigh approximately 800 pounds 20 panels x 40 lbs. Not much power from a great energy a very useful parameter in order to evaluate how much the energy is worth is the power density also known as radiance that indicates the solar radiation per surface unit watt per square metre w sq m. At the earth s surface the energy density is reduced to approximately 1 000 w m2 for a surface perpendicular to the sun s rays at sea level on a clear day 1.

At the upper reaches of our atmosphere the energy density of solar radiation is approximately 1 368 w m2 watts per square meter. Most solar panels sold in 2020 have efficiencies between 15 and 20 according to the national renewable energy laboratory nrel. The most efficient mass produced solar modules have power density values of up to 175 w m 2 16 22 w ft 2. Based on our calculation above we know that this same system measures at 352 square feet which works out to a weight of 2 3 pounds per square foot 800 pounds 352 sq ft.

What are the most efficient solar panels in 2020. The solar panel with the highest watt is the sunpower e series a commercial solar panel line. Knowing that the earth s surface is equal to 5 1 billion sq. As a result the highest power density achieved is around 20 w m 2 in desert solar pv farms whereas solar farms in germany generally achieve 5 w m 2.

Some solar panels in the market have efficiencies over 20 these are known as high efficiency solar panels. Power density of solar installations must also account for space between panels either for servicing in solar farms or for spacing between houses in rooftop solar installation.