60 Vs 72 Cell Solar Panel

Firstly a quick summary of the differences between a 60 cell and a 72 cell panel.

60 vs 72 cell solar panel.

These solar panels are available with monocrystalline and multicrystalline technologies. The difference between 60 cell and 72 cell solar panels comes down to their size. Most 72 cell panels still weigh less than the 50 lb restriction set by osha so can be carried by one person although their size can make it awkward to handle alone. 72 cell panels are also six cells wide but have an additional two rows of cells that make them a bit taller.

When it comes to dimensions 60 cell panels are usually built six cells wide and ten cells tall. 72 cells are about a foot taller and they cost a bit less to mount in large scale applications. 72 cell solar panels have more photovoltaic cells therefore they are larger than 60 cell panels. A 72 cell solar panel will typically have a higher voltage weigh more and of course have a longer length than their 60 cell counterparts.

Standard sized 60 cell solar panels are usually rated for up to 1 000 volts while most 72 cell panels are rated for 1 500 volts. Note that not all microinverters will support 72 cell solar panels so 60 cell is still the only option in some cases mostly for home systems. But in australia the highest voltage allowed for residential solar is 600 volts so it should make no difference for home solar power provided they are installed correctly. Traditional 60 and 72 cell panels will have 120 and 144 half cut cells respectively.

However both 60 cell and 72 cell panels use the same cell technology and they work out to the same price from a cost per watt perspective. The difference is as simple as it sounds a 72 cell panel has an extra 12 cells which mean the output is increased usually from the standard 270w per panel up to around 310w or 315w without any increase of efficiency.