60 vs. 72-cell solar panels: which one to choose?
Solar energy has become one of the most popular sources of renewable energy worldwide.
With the increasing demand for solar energy, solar panels have become more efficient and advanced. Two of the most common types of solar panels are 60-cell and 72-cell solar panels.
But what is the difference between them, and which one is the right choice for your needs?
In this post, we will compare 60-cell and 72-cell solar panels in detail to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding 60-Cell Solar Panels
60-cell solar panels are the most commonly used solar panels in residential installations.
As the name suggests, these panels have 60 individual solar cells that convert sunlight into electricity. The dimensions of 60-cell solar panels are typically 39 inches by 65 inches, and they have a power output ranging from 250 watts to 320 watts.
Advantages of 60-Cell Solar Panels
- Easier to install due to their smaller size and weight.
- Cost-effective and efficient for residential installations.
- Require less roof space to produce the same amount of electricity as 72-cell solar panels.
- Can generate enough electricity to power a small household or a portion of a larger household.
Disadvantages of 60-Cell Solar Panels
- Have lower power output compared to 72-cell solar panels.
- May not be sufficient for commercial or larger residential installations that require more power.
Understanding 72-Cell Solar Panels
72-cell solar panels are larger than 60-cell solar panels and are primarily used for commercial installations.
These panels have 72 individual solar cells, and their dimensions are typically 40 inches by 78 inches. They have a power output ranging from 330 watts to 400 watts.
Advantages of 72-Cell Solar Panels
- Higher power output than 60-cell solar panels.
- More efficient for larger installations.
- Ideal for commercial and large residential installations.
- Require fewer panels to produce the same amount of electricity as 60-cell solar panels.
Disadvantages of 72-Cell Solar Panels
- Larger and heavier than 60-cell solar panels, making them more difficult to install.
- Require more roof space to produce the same amount of electricity as 60-cell solar panels.
- More expensive than 60-cell solar panels.
Comparison between 60-Cell and 72-Cell Solar Panels
Efficiency
72-cell solar panels are more efficient than 60-cell solar panels due to their larger size and higher power output. They can generate more electricity per square foot compared to 60-cell solar panels.
The average efficiency of 60-cell solar panels is around 18.5%, while the average efficiency of 72-cell solar panels is around 20.5%. This means that 72-cell solar panels can generate more electricity per square foot compared to 60-cell solar panels.
Suppose you have a rooftop solar panel system with a total capacity of 10 kilowatts (kW). If you use 60-cell solar panels with an efficiency of 18.5%, you would need around 33 panels, each with a power output of 320 watts, to generate 10 kW of electricity.
The total area required for the solar panels would be around 2,017 square feet, and the total electricity generated per day would be approximately 40 kilowatt-hours (kWh), depending on the weather conditions.
If you use 72-cell solar panels with an efficiency of 20.5%, you would need around 25 panels, each with a power output of 400 watts, to generate 10 kW of electricity.
The total area required for the solar panels would be around 1,563 square feet, which is approximately 22% less than the area required for the 60-cell solar panels.
The total electricity generated per day would be approximately 45 kWh, which is around 12.5% more than the electricity generated by the 60-cell solar panel system.
Size and Weight
60-cell solar panels are smaller and lighter than 72-cell solar panels. This makes them easier to install and ideal for residential installations, where roof space may be limited.
On the other hand, 72-cell solar panels are larger and heavier, making them suitable for larger installations but more challenging to install.
The typical dimensions of a 60-cell solar panel are around 39 inches by 65 inches, with a weight of around 40 to 50 pounds. In contrast, 72-cell solar panels are typically larger, with dimensions around 40 inches by 78 inches, and a weight of around 50 to 60 pounds.
Cost
60-cell solar panels are more cost-effective than 72-cell solar panels due to their lower price per watt.
However, 72-cell solar panels are more efficient, meaning you will need fewer panels to generate the same amount of electricity. This can offset the higher cost of 72-cell solar panels.
The average cost of a 60-cell solar panel ranges from $200 to $300, while the average cost of a 72-cell solar panel ranges from $300 to $400.
Let's take a hypothetical example to illustrate the cost difference between 60-cell and 72-cell solar panels.
Suppose you need a solar panel system with a total capacity of 10 kilowatts (kW) to power your home.
If you choose to use 60-cell solar panels with a power output of 320 watts each, you would need 32 solar panels to meet your needs (10 kW / 0.32 kW per panel = 31.25 panels).
At an average cost of $250 per panel, your total cost for the solar panels would be $8,000 (32 panels x $250 per panel = $8,000).
On the other hand, if you choose to use 72-cell solar panels with a power output of 400 watts each, you would need 25 solar panels to meet your needs (10 kW / 0.4 kW per panel = 25 panels).
At an average cost of $350 per panel, your total cost for the solar panels would be $8,750 (25 panels x $350 per panel = $8,750).
As you can see, the 72-cell solar panel system would cost more upfront than the 60-cell system, even though fewer panels are required.
However, the higher efficiency of the 72-cell solar panels may result in long-term cost savings due to the lower number of panels required and higher power output.
Application
60-cell solar panels are ideal for residential installations, while 72-cell solar panels are more suitable for commercial and larger residential installations that require more power.
Installation
60-cell solar panels are easier to install due to their smaller size and weight. However, both 60-cell and 72-cell solar panels require professional installation to ensure proper installation and maximum efficiency.
Maintenance and Warranty
Both 60-cell and 72-cell solar panels require minimal maintenance and come with warranties of up to 25 years. However, 72-cell solar panels may have a longer lifespan due to their higher efficiency and larger size.
Durability
Both 60-cell and 72-cell solar panels are durable and designed to withstand harsh weather conditions. However, 72-cell solar panels may be more resistant to wind and weather damage due to their larger size and weight.
Which One to Choose?
When choosing between 60-cell and 72-cell solar panels, several factors should be considered.
If you have limited roof space or a small residential installation, 60-cell solar panels may be the best choice due to their smaller size, weight, and cost-effectiveness.
However, if you have a larger installation or require more power, 72-cell solar panels may be the better option due to their higher efficiency and power output.
Conclusion
In summary, 60-cell and 72-cell solar panels are two of the most common types of solar panels available.
While they have their advantages and disadvantages, both can provide clean and efficient energy for your home or business.
When choosing between the two, it's essential to consider your installation needs, available roof space, and budget.
Consulting with a professional solar installer can also help you make an informed decision based on your specific requirements.
