How Many Solar Panels Can I Fit on My Roof?

Updated: Jul 29

Are you interested in solar but have no idea how many panels you can fit on the roof of your home? Do you wonder how much space you will need to get the amount of panels you need? Read the below article as we attempt to help you estimate, without the need to necessarily measure your roof.

You've either arrived at this article via our online solar and battery pricing calculator tool, or you've found us via a search engine or follow our social media channels. Either way, the below should give you the guidance you need as a rough estimate for the amount of solar modules you can fit on your roof. Feel free to reach out to us here at SolarandBatteryCompany.com should you need any further assistance and we will be more than happy to help.

Calculating Solar Panel Capacity for Your Roof

When considering installing a solar and battery system for your home, a crucial question arises: "How many panels can I fit on my roof?" This article will guide you in estimating the number of solar panels your roof can accommodate which you can then use to input into our solar and battery pricing estimator tool to obtain an estimated price.

Understanding Roof Types and Obstructions

Homes across the UK come in various shapes and sizes, each with unique characteristics. Some roofs have obstructions such as dormer windows and skylights, while others are unobstructed.

Solar Panel Sizes

Over the years, the size of the most popular solar panels has increased. Currently, panels typically range from 420 to 440 watts, compared to 180 to 250 watts a decade ago. This increase is primarily due to changes in installation practices rather than significant efficiency improvements. Typically, solar panels measure around 1.8m x 1.2m, including spacing. Once you know how many panels you can fit, you can multiply this by the modules output (normally around 420-440 watts) to obtain the total system size (capacity). The below image is a typical solar module's dimensions for a type of panel that we supply.

Typical dimensions of a Solar P.V. Panel. Length, width and depth.

Typical Solar Panel Layouts

Solar panels are commonly installed in a portrait layout, with the short side at the top and bottom and the long side to the sides. For example, on a house 5 meters in length, you can fit four panels in one row. If there is sufficient space, you can add another row beneath it.

Each panel is a little under 1.8m in length, so two rows would total approximately 3.6m. However, adequate spacing of around 0.3m (300mm) is required around the perimeter of the panels for rainwater management and future maintenance access. If the space from ridge to gutter is 3.7m, it wouldn't be enough to fit two rows comfortably. This is because as well as the 3.6m required for the two rows of panels, an additional 600mm is required above and below, meaning a total of 4.2m is needed.

Measuring Your Roof

Most houses have enough space for two rows (sometimes three) of panels, but accurate measurements are essential. You can use the measuring tool on Google Earth to get a rough idea. Keep in mind that your roof's actual width will be longer than it appears on Google Earth due to the roof's angle.

If you need assistance, SolarandBatteryCompany.com is here to help. Give us a call, and we can guide you through the process.

Quick Guide to Estimating Panel Capacity

Below is a quick guide to help you estimate the number of panels you can fit on your roof based on your house type:

A 4 bed detached home with 8 panels fitted to its roof.

• Typical 3 Bed Semi-Detached House: 8-10 panels

• Typical 3 or 4 Bed Detached House: 8-12 panels

• Larger Detached Homes: 12+ panels

Try out our exclusive pricing calculator tool, where you can add the panels you think will fit and get an estimated price for installing a system on your home.

Conclusion

Understanding how many solar panels you can fit on your roof is essential for planning your solar installation. By following the guidelines above and using our tools, you can make an informed decision. For more detailed assistance, contact SolarandBatteryCompany.com. We believe we are the best company in the East Midlands, serving Nottingham, Leicester, Derby and the surrounding areas. We are here to support your journey to sustainable energy.