If you’re buying solar panels, you might be wondering how much of a difference there really is between residential and commercial varieties. They both turn sunlight into electricity, so they can’t be that different, can they? The truth is, residential panels differ from commercial ones in a few ways, including their size and how they’re installed. Choosing the right type of panel for your system can make all the difference in ensuring high efficiency, low cost, and long-term benefits.
Panel Size and Output
One of the most obvious differences you’ll notice between residential and commercial solar panels is their size. Residential panels are usually about 65 inches long and 39 inches wide, with a typical output between 350 and 450 watts of power. Commercial panels, however, are larger, typically measuring about 78 inches by 39 inches. They usually produce between 400 and 500 watts or more per panel.
While you might be thinking, “I want as much power as possible from every panel, so I should get commercial ones,” that’s not actually true. That bigger size on commercial panels makes it a lot harder to fit the panels into a good arrangement on the roof. You’ll likely end up with poorly used space, forcing panels to be installed on parts of your roof where they don’t get as much sunlight; and that leads to a less efficient system.
Installation and Appearance
Residential solar panels are designed with aesthetics and roof space in mind; after all, people worry a lot more about the curb appeal of their home than they do about the curb appeal of their commercial building. Residential panels are usually black, blending in with the roof for a cleaner look. Installation usually has to be done on pitched roofs, but this can maximize the sun exposure on the panels. On the other hand, commercial solar panels are usually mounted on flat roofs, or even ground-mounted systems. This usually requires special racking systems that can be adjusted to angle the panels towards the sun; these racks are usually bulky and not visually appealing.
Efficiency and Usage
Commercial solar panels usually offer a slightly higher efficiency rating than residential ones because of their size and design. They’re great for businesses, warehouses, and other buildings that need very large amounts of power and have plenty of roof or ground space to accommodate them. Residential panels, while less powerful per unit, are better optimized for homes where energy demands are lower and the installation space is more limited.
The simple fact is that residential solar panels are specifically designed for solar use. So, while you might think that the higher output of commercial panels makes them a better investment, residential panels will be a better fit for your roof, look better on your home, and provide the right amount of power for your needs.
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