Solar photovoltaic (PV) cells (6-inch by 6-inch squares) are solar panels’ crucial building blocks . A residential solar panel usually has 60 or 72 PV cells, while a commercial panel generally has 72 or 96. That number is important because it plays into solar panels’ weight — unsurprisingly, the more solar PV cells, the greater the weight.
Here are some quick facts about the average weight of solar panels with differing wattages: 100-watt solar panels from 5 of the most popular brands average 18.8 pounds. 200-watt solar panels from 5 of the most popular brands average 23.28 pounds. Most 60-cell solar panels weigh about 44.9 pounds.
72-cell solar panels weigh around 61.73 pounds. As you may recall, these larger panels usually provide 350 to 400 watts. The weight of a solar panel per unit is an important consideration when deciding which size is best for your home, which we will discuss further in a later section.
Dimensions and weights vary per panel manufacturer. Compared to 60- and 72-cell panels, 96-cell panels tend to have a broader weight range. So there you have it! The average solar panel weight ranges from 40 to 55 pounds, with 40 pounds as the most common. Like all products’ specifications, you’ll spot exceptions.
Sixty-cell solar panels most commonly produce 270 to 300 watts of energy. Seventy-two-cell solar panels measure 80 inches long by 40 inches wide. Like 60-cell solar panels, the normal depth can be between 1.4 and 1.8 inches. Seventy-two-cell solar panels have one additional row of photovoltaic cells compared to 60-cell solar panels.
RV solar panels are generally rated at 100-150 watts and are smaller and lighter than residential solar panels. In general, the average rigid solar panel used in RV solar systems is rated at 100 Watts and weighs about 15lbs.