This article compares 60-cell and 72-cell solar panels, highlighting their differences and best uses. The key distinction between them is size, with 72-cell panels being larger due to having 12 more solar cells. 60-cell panels are typically used in residential and mobile applications, while 72-cell panels are common in utility-scale projects.
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While 72-cell panels are generally rated at higher wattages, the cost per watt is crucial in determining which panel is more cost-efficient. Factors like installation costs also play a role, with 72-cell panels often being preferred for large-scale installations due to requiring less racking material and fewer electrical connections. When choosing between the two, consider your space constraints and budget. 60-cell panels are ideal for limited spaces, while 72-cell panels may be more cost-efficient in certain scenarios. Ultimately, the goal is to maximize your budget and solar power potential.
The two most common types of solar panels on the market today are 60-cell and 72-cell. Today, we explain the differences between these two types of solar panels and which one is best for your solar installation.
When it comes down to it, the only real key difference between 60-cell and 72-cell solar panels is size. Solar panels use individual solar cells that you can see as the squares that make up the panel. Obviously, 72-cell solar panels have 12 more solar cells than 60-cell solar panels.
The extra dozen solar cells cause 72-cell solar panels to be larger than the 60-cell solar panels. According to Medium.com, here are the average sizes of these two types of solar panels:
60-cell solar panels are 1.65m (5.41 feet) tall and weigh about 20kg (44.90 lbs).
72-cell solar panels are 1.95m (6.40 feet) tall and weigh about 28kg (61.73 lbs).
For sizing reasons alone, 60-cell solar panels are often used in residential and mobile applications, whereas 72-solar panels are commonplace in utility-scale projects where limited space is not an issue.
It is logical to think that more solar cells imply more solar power, but this is not always the case. Although 72-cell solar panels are generally rated at higher wattages, in some instances, 60-cell solar panels may have more output capacity than 72-cell solar panels. The most important factor in figuring out which solar panel is best for the price is determining the cost per watt.
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Let’s take a look at two different solar panels. The first is a 300W 60-cell solar panel that costs $200. The second is a 350W 72-cell solar panel that costs $225. The cost per watt of each solar panel respectively would be $0.66 and $0.64. Therefore, if you have room for either type of panel, in this case, the 72-cell solar panel would be more cost-efficient. Although the difference may seem insignificant, accounting for multiple panels over many years, maximizing your cost per watt will lead to the largest financial savings.
In large-scale commercial or utility applications, installers tend to use 72-cell solar panels to save money on installation costs because 72-cell solar panels require less racking material, fewer electrical connections, and fewer security clamps than 60-cell solar panels. Of course, if you boiled these costs down to a residential solar install, there would still be some savings incurred, but at a lower rate.
Your solar panels also influence the rest of your system. If you plan to use micro-inverters instead of one large solar inverter, you will need to make sure that each is appropriately sized for your solar panels, especially when using 72-cell solar panels. Conversely, if you are powering a battery bank, one 60-cell solar panel alone may not provide enough voltage to charge the battery.
When designing your solar energy system, either 60-cell or 72-cell solar panels will be best for your needs. If you are strapped for space for your system, for example, on a residential roof, van, or an RV, choosing 60-cell solar panels will maximize the number of panels you can install. If you have space, weigh your options and choose the panel that is most efficient and affordable. After all, when installing solar, the goal is always to maximize your budget and solar power potential!
We hope we provided some insight into choosing your solar panels. You can compare your options by browsing our selection of solar panels or contact us to discuss your project with a solar power expert.
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A BMS is mandatory.
Panel and wiring doesn't matter as long as the OCV is between 36V and 119V (allowing for cold weather use). I'd buy as much wattage as you can afford in terms of $ and/or space.
IMHO, I would go for 4 72S panels in parallel as that will provide a nice Voc as well as making the system extremely shade tolerant if that's a concern.
Growatt is a light duty unit. It has a very poor surge capacity. Even in grid/generator mode, you will be limited to the 3kW rating, i.e., it will not pass more than 3kW of power through it regardless of the source.
Fantastic!
That answers all of my questions. The 72 Cell panels are all quite a bit more expensive so I think I'm going to start with 3 and then add on later.
That should give me - watts, at 48V / 30A and all operating independently in parallel - That's exactly what I need.
The add later portion: If you plan to add it to the same series/parallel string, it needs to the same type of panels. Or you can start a new string with similar panels to a different charge controller. Important to match them. So plan ahead and make sure you can get the same panels. Most of the solar panel vendors make different specs in a year or two after production. It gets harder to obtain the same panels.
The add later portion: If you plan to add it to the same series/parallel string, it needs to the same type of panels. Or you can start a new string with similar panels to a different charge controller. Important to match them. So plan ahead and make sure you can get the same panels. Most of the solar panel vendors make different specs in a year or two after production. It gets harder to obtain the same panels.
That's a good point. Plus, if he's buying from Santan, the chance he can buy additional panels of the same thing - a year later - is close to zero.
For a ground based system, I would be purchasing the panels with the biggest bang for the buck. Large panels work well there. On an RV, where you're limited on space, large often doesn't work.
Thank you for the video! I'll watch the whole series later, but I'll ask: When you say "exactly" what do you mean?
Her videos leads me to believe using wildly different panels will cause big losses, which makes sense.
But just using the santan solar example:
If I buy one of their:
72 C / 365W / 48V / 9.24A panels today.
and next year I add one and they have:
72 C / 335W / 46.1V / 8.85 panels
That is not a big deal right? Yes there will be slightly less efficient but I imagine still function fine, right?
There is no safety concern there correct?
It's hard to tell on forums what people mean when you "must" do something.
In my mind:
I must do certain things for safety.
I should do certain things for efficiency.
Hi all,Look at Hitech Solar. They are a panel manufacture in Indiana and build a good panel.
I'm building a variation on Will's recent "hand-cart generator" build.
- 8S 280ah EVE cells
- Growatt 24V SPF TL LVM
- Electrodaucs BMS (if they come back in stock)
- Single Phase, fully off-grid system
- To be charged by large gasoline generator when needed
- To be charged by grid-AC when available
- Panels to be ground-mounted only semi-permanently (I live in a rental house)
- My solar availability is fair, but not great. Southeast US.
My question is this: Which combination of 3 or 4 of the santansolar panels would be the best for my application and how should I connect them?
72 cell or 60 cell? and wired in what series/parallel combo?
Price is not the main concern, but of course cheaper is better.
Yes - I know this is not enough panels to support this generator capacity - It's the most I can fit right now, and I will supplement with the Gas Generator.
Thanks!
Hi there. Yes, that example was showing wildly different volts and amps. I have some other videos showing same amps different volts, and visa versa. The system will work best with all the same, and worst with all different. It'll work ok with just one difference, the closer you can get them the better. If the 60 cell panels are much less per watt, so you can get 4 instead of 3, I'd recommend doing 2 parallel strings of 2 in series. Just know that you need to keep the strings even, so if you buy more, you'll need to buy in sets of 2.