What is the typical output of one panel? What is the typical output of a PV system? What size are the panels and a typical array? I’ve got some ideas where to place them.
One panel typically 330 watts, a system 3kW to 7kW, 20 to 40 sq. m. Five years ago a typical panel output was 260 to 280 watts. At the date of writing this, May 2020, we are typically installing panels 300 watts to 330 watts, and right now we are quoting for 350/360 watt panels, and 370/395 watts are available. Some of these higher output panels are slightly larger dimensionally than the 300/330 standards but compatible with most fixings. If you really want to get more watts per square metre, there are PV panels that generate from the rear of the panel as well as the front face. These dual-faced solar PV have outputs of some 400 watts but cost more and length could be 2m.
Typical system size is anything from 4kW to 7kW depending on space. That means somewhere between 12 and 24 panels, each one (if circa 300/330 watts), typically 1.7m long and 1 metre wide. The new high output panels and the double-face panels can extend to 1.8m x 1m. You are looking at 6m wide to 12m wide and 3.4m long, or from 20m2 to 40m2 in area. Many alternate configurations are possible.