Enter Panel Details
Use the form below to estimate module weight, load intensity, array mass, and shipping allowance.
Example Data Table
These example values show typical output ranges for common module formats.
| Module Type | Dimensions (mm) | Area (m²) | Estimated Weight (kg) | Areal Density (kg/m²) | Dead Load (kPa) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential 54-cell | 1722 × 1134 | 1.95 | 22.8 | 11.7 | 0.115 |
| Utility 72-cell | 2278 × 1134 | 2.58 | 31.9 | 12.4 | 0.121 |
| Bifacial glass-glass | 2384 × 1303 | 3.11 | 38.6 | 12.4 | 0.122 |
Formula Used
Area (m²) = Length (m) × Width (m)
Mass (kg) = Area (m²) × Thickness (m) × Density (kg/m³)
Frame Mass (kg) = Perimeter (m) × Frame Cross-Section Area (m²) × Frame Density (kg/m³)
Base Mass = Front Glass + Rear Layer + Encapsulant + Cells + Frame + Junction Box + Cables + Extra Hardware
Final Panel Mass = Base Mass × [1 + Manufacturing Allowance ÷ 100]
Array Mass = Final Panel Mass × Quantity
Shipping Mass = Array Mass × [1 + Packaging Allowance ÷ 100]
Areal Density = Final Panel Mass ÷ Area
Dead Load (kPa) = [Final Panel Mass × 9.80665 ÷ Area] ÷ 1000
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the panel length and width in millimeters.
- Fill in front glass thickness and density values.
- Select whether the rear layer is glass or backsheet.
- Enter rear layer thickness and density.
- Add encapsulant thickness, number of layers, and density.
- Provide cell mass, frame profile area, and frame density.
- Include junction box, cable, and extra hardware mass.
- Set manufacturing allowance, panel quantity, and packaging allowance.
- Press the calculate button to view results above the form.
- Use the CSV or PDF buttons to export the output.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What does this calculator estimate?
It estimates a solar panel’s weight from material layers, frame geometry, component masses, and allowances. It also reports area density, dead load, array mass, and shipping weight.
2) Why is areal density important?
Areal density shows weight per square meter. It helps compare modules of different sizes and supports rough load planning for roofs, racks, transport, and storage.
3) When should I choose rear glass?
Choose rear glass for glass-glass or bifacial modules. It usually raises total weight but can improve durability, stiffness, and long-term environmental resistance.
4) What is the manufacturing allowance for?
It adds a percentage over the calculated component mass. Use it to cover sealants, label mass, tolerances, adhesive variation, and small unlisted items.
5) Does the dead load value replace structural design?
No. It is a quick estimate of distributed gravity load. Final structural decisions should include mounting details, support spacing, wind, seismic effects, and code checks.
6) Can I use this for shipping estimates?
Yes. Enter the panel quantity and packaging allowance. The shipping output helps estimate palletized mass for logistics, lifting plans, and handling reviews.
7) What frame input gives the best result?
Use the actual cross-sectional area of the frame profile. If you only have catalog data, use the closest profile area and verify with manufacturer specifications.
8) Is this suitable for custom modules?
Yes. The calculator works for standard, bifacial, framed, and custom formats as long as you provide realistic material thicknesses, densities, and component masses.