A solar cell is a single semiconductor device. Solar cell converts direct sunlight into electricity through the photovoltaic effect. It is the fundamental building block of a solar panel. However, how many solar cells are in a solar panel? Or how many solar cells are in a module? It depends on the size and structure of a photovoltaic panel. However, a standard PV panel contains 60 or 72 solar cells. In most cases, 60 cell solar module or 60 cell PV module can be used at home or residence. For commercial solar panel installation, 72-cell solar panels are used.
What is a Solar Panel Array?
If a group of solar panels is connected for better output it is called a solar panel array. The solar array is connected with other components like solar panel inverter, battery, charge controller, and others to complete the solar system. Depending on the power generation ratio, 17 to 30 solar panels may be under a PV array.
How Many Solar Cells Are in a Solar Panel, Share Idea?
If sunlight falls on the photovoltaic cells, electrons become excited. In that case, DC power is generated and we get the output of the solar panel. However, depending on the size and design of the panel number of PV cells can be different. Commonly, standard residential solar panels contain 60 or 72 cells. So, let’s see how many solar cells are in a solar panel with solar panel dimensions and weight.
In most cases, 60 cells are used in home or residential PV panels. These panel’s structure may be 1 meter (39 inches) / 1.65 meter (65 inches) dimension. The weight of the 60 cell solar panel is around 18 to 20 kilograms (40 to 45 pounds).
It is noted that each cell length is about 156 mm (6 inches) / 156 mm (6 inches). It means the PV cells are square in shape.
Commercial solar panels contain 72 cells. Moreover, these panels are used for larger installations, such as commercial or large utility projects. The cells are measured about 1 meter (39 inches) / 2 meters (77 inches). The weight of the 72 cell panels is around 22 kilograms (48 pounds) to 27 kilograms (60 pounds).
It is noted that these values can be slightly different based on the specific PV models, materials, and any additional photo voltaic panel features like a frame or glass thickness.
How to Calculate PV Cell in A Solar Panel?
It is necessary to know how many photovoltaic cells should be in a photovoltaic panel. In that case, you may follow a step to find that how many PV cells are in a solar panel. However, to calculate the number of solar cells in a solar panel, you can use this equation.
Number of Solar Cells = Total Power Output of the Panel (in watts) / Power output per cell (in watts)
Now measure solar panel output using a multimeter. We know that the standard panel cell ranges from 60 cells or 72 cells. However, let’s see an example
Suppose a standard PV panel has 60 cells for a 400-watt solar panel size.
Now, output power per Cell = 400-watt solar panel size / 60 cells = 6.66 watts per cell.
We got,
- Total Power Output (P): 400 watts
- Power Output per Cell (Pcell): 6.6 watts per cell.
- Now use this formula and put the value.
- Number of solar cells (N) = Total Output Power (P) / Power Output per Cell (Pcell)
- Number of solar cells (N) = 400 watts / 6.6 watts per cell = 60.6 cells.
So, if you have a question of how many watts is a 72-cell solar panel. Now this is for you. Apply this formula or process and calculate your PV cell. It is noted that this is the best way to find how many solar cells are in a solar panel. Another thing you should remember is that the panel’s cell count (like 60 or 72 cells) is determined by its design.
So, Calculate the PV panel cell using this formula. On the other hand, if you would like to calculate solar panel wattage then you may follow another formula that we have referred to in detail in another section.
How Many Cells Are in 9 Solar Panels?
Very simple, follow the above formula to find the number of cells of each solar panel. Suppose, you have 300 watts 9 solar panels, each solar panel contains 60 cells. In that case,
- Now, output power per Cell = 300 watts / 60 cells = 5 watts per cell.
- Now you have 9 solar panels = 9 panels * 60 cells = 540 cells.
- So, 9 solar panels have 540 cells.
If you have 144 Cell Solar Panel or 96 cell solar panel, follow this formula and get your answer. It is noted that how many photovoltaic panels you have, follow this formula and get the right answer.
What Would Be The 72 Cell Solar Panel Voltage?
Probably 72 cell solar panel voltage range should be 32 to 40 volts. How will you find solar panel voltage for a specific cell? In that case, you will require a multimeter and measure the voltage and watt of a particular panel. For example, if you have 350 watt PV panel with 9 A current then such panel can produce 32 volts to 40 volts.
How Big Is A 400 Watt Solar Panel?
The 400-watt solar panel is usually used for commercial installation or bulk power generation stations. The 400-watt photovoltaic panel may contain 60 to 70 cells and dimensions can be 5.4 feet long and 3.25 wide weight is about 40 to 5 pounds or more than 20 kg. Indeed, it is decided by manufacturing requirements.
Does A Solar Panel Have Cells?
Yes, of course, solar panels have cells and it’s mandatory. Without cells, photovoltaic panels cannot produce energy. This is because the solar cell is the only semiconductor material that converts sunlight into electricity with the assistance of the photovoltaic effect. So, no cell, no semiconductor device, no photovoltaic effect, and no generation of energy. That’s why a PV cell or solar cell is highly required to have in the panel.
Difference Between Solar Cell and Solar Panel
| PV Panel Aspect | Solar Cell | Solar Panel |
| Definition | A semiconductor device that converts sunlight directly into electricity. | An assembly of multiple solar cells is connected to generate more electricity. |
| Size | Small, around 6 inches by 6 inches (156 mm by 156 mm). | Larger, around 1 meter by 1.65 meters for residential panels. |
| Component | The basic building block of a solar panel. | A complete unit made up of multiple solar cells. |
| Usage | Used individually in small devices or combined to form solar panels. | Used to power homes, businesses, or larger electrical systems. |
Is It Good to Have More Cells in The Solar Panel?
Yes, it is good to have more cells in the photovoltaic panels. We know, that if a panel has more cells then we will get more output. But there are some drawbacks to this contest. However, let’s see a comparison and confirm that there are more cells better in a solar panel.
- Higher Voltage Output due to more cells.
- More cell PV panels have higher Efficiency, especially in lower-light conditions.
- More cell panels can produce a reasonable amount of power if a few cells are damaged as well.
Potential Drawbacks of More Cells Used in PV Panels
- More cell panels become larger and heavier. It can challenge installation in space-constrained areas.
- More cells can increase the manufacturing cost of the panel.
Final Thought
A solar cell is an essential part of a solar panel. It is a major part of generating energy. However, I have cleared how many solar cells can be in a solar panel, how to calculate photovoltaic solar cells, solar system calculations for the home, how many solar panels I need, and others. Though such thing will be decided from manufacturing section but we should know that things.
However, many of them think, can solar cells increase with increasing panel size. Yes, solar cells are directly related to solar panel wattage. If solar panel watts become higher then photovoltaic cells will be higher. So, more wattage, more PV cells, and more output power.