At One Place

Solar panel vs Window

Solar panel vs window
Window is larger on weight
Window is somewhat greater than solar panel on weight — about 1.3×.

A solar panel and a window can be compared on 5 measures. The figures below are typical adult or full-size values, with the larger of the two in bold.

Side by side

Larger value in bold. Ranges reflect genuine variation, not uncertainty.
Solar panel Window
Weight 17–33 kg 12–70 kg
Width 100–130 cm 45–180 cm
Typical lifespan 25–40 yr 15–40 yr
Typical cost 110–450 $ 250–1,800 $
Area 1.6–3.1 m² 0.35–3.5 m²

What the numbers say

  • Window is somewhat greater than solar panel on weight — about 1.3×.
  • Solar panel is somewhat greater than window on width — about 1.2×.
  • Solar panel is somewhat greater than window on typical lifespan — about 1.2×.
  • Window is 2.7× solar panel on typical cost.
  • Solar panel is somewhat greater than window on area — about 1.4×.

Weight compared.

Window 12–70 kg
Solar panel 17–33 kg

Solar panel

A framed sheet of silicon cells under glass that converts sunlight into direct current.

Window

A glazed opening in a wall, normally double-glazed in an insulated vinyl, timber or aluminium frame.

This is a comparison of published measurements, nothing more. It describes how two things differ on measures that have been recorded; it does not predict how they would fare against each other in any situation.

Common questions

Which is bigger, solar panel or window?
Window is somewhat greater than solar panel on weight — about 1.3×. Both figures are typical values; the full range for each is in the table above.
How do solar panels and windows compare on width?
Solar panel: 100–130 cm. Window: 45–180 cm. Solar panel is somewhat greater than window on width — about 1.2×.
How do solar panels and windows compare on typical lifespan?
Solar panel: 25–40 yr. Window: 15–40 yr. Solar panel is somewhat greater than window on typical lifespan — about 1.2×.

Related pages

Sources

  1. Typical range compiled from manufacturer specifications — At One Place

How these figures are compiled and checked