{"id":3214,"date":"2026-10-23T15:07:00","date_gmt":"2026-10-23T12:07:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mits.sa\/?p=3214"},"modified":"2026-10-23T15:07:00","modified_gmt":"2026-10-23T12:07:00","slug":"solar-roof-area-needed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mits.sa\/en\/solar-roof-area-needed\/","title":{"rendered":"How much space do solar panels need on the roof of your house or building?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Solar panels require approximately 5 to 6 square meters per kilowatt on a metal roof if installed parallel to it, and 7 to 10 square meters per kilowatt on a flat concrete roof because the panels are installed at an angle in rows with spacing between them to avoid shading. The final figure depends on the actual usable area after excluding tanks, air conditioners, and walkways.<\/p>\n<div class=\"mits-box\"><strong>In short:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The 550W panel has an area of approximately 2.5\u20132.6 square meters (approximately 2.3 \u00d7 1.1 meters).<\/li>\n<li>Metal surface: The structure is parallel to the surface, so the area is close to the area of the panels themselves.<\/li>\n<li>Concrete surface: Slanted rows require spaces between them, so the area almost doubles.<\/li>\n<li>The usable area is often much less than the total surface area.<\/li>\n<li>If space is not sufficient: a structure raised above obstacles, higher-capacity panels, or carports.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h2>What is the area of one solar panel?<\/h2>\n<p>Most solar panels used today in residential and commercial projects have a power rating of approximately 540 to 600 watts, and their dimensions are around 2.3 meters long and 1.1 meters wide, which translates to approximately 2.5 to 2.6 square meters per panel. This means that one kilowatt (roughly equivalent to two panels) requires about 4.7 square meters of panel space, before accounting for any additional distances.<\/p>\n<p>But the size of the panels is one thing, and the required surface area is another. The difference comes from the installation method, the spacing between rows, the passageways needed for cleaning and maintenance, and the distance from the edges of the roof.<\/p>\n<div class=\"mits-box mits-calc\"><strong>Calculate it yourself:<\/strong> Enter the number of panels and the type of roof into the structure calculator to find out the structure quantities, weight, and approximate row arrangement, so that you can be sure that your roof can accommodate the system. <a href=\"\/en\/solar-mounting-structure-calculator\/\">Open the free calculator<\/a><\/div>\n<h2>How many square meters do you need per kilowatt depending on the type of roof?<\/h2>\n<h3>Metal surface (sheet metal)<\/h3>\n<p>In warehouses and factories with metal roofs, the panels are often installed parallel to the roof slope, almost touching each other with minimal gaps. Therefore, the required space is close to the area of the panels themselves, with the addition of maintenance passageways. This type is used <a href=\"\/en\/factory-products\/metal-roof-solar-mounting\/\">Metal surface mounting structure<\/a> Lightweight and fixed to the sheet metal.<\/p>\n<h3>flat concrete surface<\/h3>\n<p>In houses and buildings with concrete roofs, panels are installed at a south-facing angle to improve production. The problem is that the front row casts a shadow on the row behind it, especially in winter when the sun is low. Therefore, a gap is left between the rows, and the greater the angle of inclination, the greater the required gap. Here, [the following is used] <a href=\"\/en\/factory-products\/concrete-roof-solar-mounting\/\">Inclined structure for concrete surfaces<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>High structure and carports<\/h3>\n<p>When the roof is cluttered with tanks and air conditioning units, panels can be raised above them on a raised structure, utilizing the upper space without removing anything. In facilities with parking, the parking spaces themselves are transformed into production space. <a href=\"\/en\/solar-carports-guide\/\">car sunshades<\/a>.<\/p>\n<table class=\"mits-t\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Installation method<\/th>\n<th>Approximate area per kilowatt<\/th>\n<th>comments<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>parallel to a metal surface<\/td>\n<td>5\u20136 m\u00b2<\/td>\n<td>Less space, and production is affected by the roof&#039;s slope and direction.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Inclined at a low angle (10\u201315\u00b0) on a concrete surface<\/td>\n<td>6.5\u20138 m\u00b2<\/td>\n<td>Less distance between rows, and annual production close to the ideal angle<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Inclined at a 20\u201325\u00b0 angle on a concrete surface<\/td>\n<td>8\u201310 m\u00b2<\/td>\n<td>Good annual production, but the rows need more space.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>A structure high above the obstacles<\/td>\n<td>According to the structure design<\/td>\n<td>It utilizes the space above the tanks and air conditioners.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>These are estimated figures that include spacing between rows and simple aisles, and vary according to board size, width, and structure design.<\/p>\n<h2>How is the distance between rows calculated on a concrete surface?<\/h2>\n<p>The idea is that the height of the back edge of the slanted panel casts a shadow whose length depends on the sun&#039;s altitude. The distance is usually calculated based on the worst time of year acceptable for the design, which is winter mornings and evenings.<\/p>\n<h3>Illustrative example: Arrange boards at a 25\u00b0 angle on a roof in Riyadh<\/h3>\n<p>The following figures are approximate and assume a 2.28-meter longitudinally mounted panel and a design sun height of approximately 30\u00b0:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Horizontal span of the inclined plate = 2.28 \u00d7 cos 25\u00b0 \u2248 2.07 meters.<\/li>\n<li>Height of the back edge = 2.28 \u00d7 s 25\u00b0 \u2248 0.96 m.<\/li>\n<li>Length of shadow behind row = 0.96 \u00f7 tan 30\u00b0 \u2248 1.67 m.<\/li>\n<li>The distance from the beginning of one row to the beginning of the next row is \u2248 2.07 + 1.67 \u2248 3.74 meters.<\/li>\n<li>Area per panel = 3.74 \u00d7 1.13 (panel width) \u2248 4.2 m\u00b2, which is approximately 7.7 m\u00b2 per kilowatt before the corridors.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If we reduce the angle to 15\u00b0, the horizontal span becomes approximately 2.20 meters, the shadow about 1.02 meters, and the distance between row beginnings about 3.22 meters, thus reducing the area to approximately 6.6 m\u00b2 per kilowatt. Therefore, some designers choose a slightly less-than-ideal angle when space is limited, as the gain of an additional panel can compensate for the small difference in output per panel. For complete details, see the article on spacing between solar panel rows, and the article on choosing the angle itself. <a href=\"\/en\/solar-panel-tilt-angle\/\">Best orientation and tilt angle for panels<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>How do you determine the usable area on your roof?<\/h2>\n<p>The most common mistake is calculating the system based on the total surface area. The surface is actually filled with things that cannot be installed directly on top of it:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Water tanks and their bases, stairwell, and ventilation outlets.<\/li>\n<li>Outdoor units of air conditioners and their extension routes.<\/li>\n<li>The edges closest to the parapet (the surrounding wall) because its shadow falls on the nearby panels.<\/li>\n<li>The necessary passageways to access the panels for cleaning and maintenance.<\/li>\n<li>A safe distance from the edges of the roof, especially in tall buildings exposed to wind.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Practical method: Draw a simple plan of the surface in meters, mark each obstacle on it, then calculate the empty rectangular areas facing south or where rows can be arranged facing south.<\/p>\n<h3>Illustrative example: A house with an area of 300 square meters<\/h3>\n<p>Let&#039;s assume a concrete roof with a total area of 300 m\u00b2. After excluding the tanks, stairwell, air conditioners, corridors, and parapet edges, approximately 60% remains usable. These figures are approximate.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Usable area \u2248 300 \u00d7 0.6 = 180 m\u00b2.<\/li>\n<li>At an angle of 25\u00b0 and an area of 8 m\u00b2 per kilowatt approximately including corridors: 180 \u00f7 8 \u2248 22 kilowatts.<\/li>\n<li>That is, approximately 40 panels with a power of 550 watts.<\/li>\n<li>At an angle of 15\u00b0 and an area of 7 m\u00b2 per kilowatt: 180 \u00f7 7 \u2248 25 kilowatts, i.e., approximately 46 panels.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Then compare this figure to your consumption. If the space accommodates more than you need, choose the optimal angle for production; if it&#039;s less, use the solutions in the next section.<\/p>\n<h2>What do you do if the surface area is not enough?<\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Choose higher power panels:<\/strong> The higher-capacity board produces more than approximately the same area.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Reduce the angle of inclination slightly:<\/strong> To bring the rows closer together, as in the example.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Use a high structure:<\/strong> <a href=\"\/en\/factory-products\/elevated-solar-structure\/\">High structure of solar panels<\/a> The panels are raised above the tanks and air conditioners, and provide shade for the roof below.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Utilize other spaces:<\/strong> Parking lots or an adjacent ground-level yard suitable for ground installation.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Reduce consumption first:<\/strong> Improving insulation and replacing old equipment reduces the size of the system required.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Before all else, ensure the structural integrity of the roof can withstand the weight of the panels, the frame, and wind loads, especially in older buildings. This is a design aspect that should be reviewed by a professional.<\/p>\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<div class=\"mits-faq\">\n<h3>How many solar panels can fit on a surface area of 100 square meters?<\/h3>\n<p>It depends on the actual available space and the type of installation. If half the surface is usable with an angled installation on concrete, then approximately 6 to 7 kilowatts can be expected, i.e., 11 to 13 panels with a power rating of 550 watts.<\/p>\n<h3>Can the panels be installed facing east and west to save space?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes, an east-west layout with a low angle reduces the distances between rows and distributes production over the day, but the output per board is slightly less than a south-facing layout. The choice depends on the available space and consumption.<\/p>\n<h3>Does the concrete surface need a hole to fix the structure in place?<\/h3>\n<p>Not always. There is fixing with nails in the concrete with insulation treatment, and there is fixing with concrete bases or weights without penetrating the surface, and this is determined by the condition of the insulation and wind loads.<\/p>\n<h3>How much do the structure and the roof panels weigh?<\/h3>\n<p>A single steel plate typically weighs between 25 and 32 kg, depending on its type, and the weight of the frame and foundations is added to that. A structural steel calculator can estimate the approximate weight of steel for the number of plates you input.<\/p>\n<h3>Can it be expanded later if I leave space?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes, and it is best to plan for that from the beginning by reserving the space and choosing an inverter that accepts additional panels or a place for a second inverter.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mits-cta\">\n<p><strong>Do you want to know how many kilowatts your roof can handle?<\/strong> MITS GROUP manufactures hot-dip galvanized steel panel mounting structures for concrete and metal roofs, elevated structures, and carports at its factory in Al-Kharj, and designs the row layout on your roof to maximize space. Start calculating quantities with our free panel structure calculator.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/en\/contact\/\">Request a price quote<\/a> \u00b7 <a href=\"https:\/\/wa.me\/966575993880\">WhatsApp 0575993880<\/a> \u00b7 <a href=\"\/en\/factory\/\">MITS Metal Manufacturing Plant<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The panels require 5\u20136 m\u00b2 per kilowatt on a metal surface and 7\u201310 m\u00b2 on a concrete surface. Learn how to calculate this, see a practical example, and find solutions for limited space.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3215,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center 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center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"slug_en":"","footnotes":"","seo_title":"\u0643\u0645 \u0645\u0633\u0627\u062d\u0629 \u062a\u062d\u062a\u0627\u062c \u0627\u0644\u0623\u0644\u0648\u0627\u062d \u0627\u0644\u0634\u0645\u0633\u064a\u0629 \u0639\u0644\u0649 \u0627\u0644\u0633\u0637\u062d\u061f","seo_title_en":"How Much Roof Area Do Solar Panels Need?","seo_description":"\u0643\u0645 \u0645\u062a\u0631 \u0645\u0631\u0628\u0639 \u062a\u062d\u062a\u0627\u062c \u0627\u0644\u0623\u0644\u0648\u0627\u062d \u0627\u0644\u0634\u0645\u0633\u064a\u0629 \u0644\u0643\u0644 \u0643\u064a\u0644\u0648\u0648\u0627\u0637\u061f \u062c\u062f\u0648\u0644 \u062d\u0633\u0628 \u0646\u0648\u0639 \u0627\u0644\u0633\u0637\u062d\u060c \u062d\u0633\u0627\u0628 \u0627\u0644\u0645\u0633\u0627\u0641\u0629 \u0628\u064a\u0646 \u0627\u0644\u0635\u0641\u0648\u0641\u060c \u0648\u0645\u062b\u0627\u0644 \u0644\u0633\u0637\u062d 300 \u0645\u062a\u0631\u060c \u0648\u062d\u0644\u0648\u0644 \u0625\u0630\u0627 \u0643\u0627\u0646\u062a \u0627\u0644\u0645\u0633\u0627\u062d\u0629 \u0644\u0627 \u062a\u0643\u0641\u064a.","seo_description_en":"Roof area needed per kW of solar panels by roof type, how row spacing is calculated, a worked 300 m2 roof example, and options when space is limited."},"categories":[40],"tags":[313,79,312,55],"class_list":["post-3214","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-40","tag-313","tag-79","tag-312","tag-55"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mits.sa\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3214","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mits.sa\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mits.sa\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mits.sa\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mits.sa\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3214"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/mits.sa\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3214\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3410,"href":"https:\/\/mits.sa\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3214\/revisions\/3410"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mits.sa\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3215"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mits.sa\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3214"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mits.sa\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3214"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mits.sa\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3214"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}