What is a 400W Solar Panel?

The majority of solar panels commonly put on houses or businesses today ranges from 250 to 365 watts per panel, while solar panels with capacities higher and lower than that are also available.

Solar cell technological improvements have enabled the expansion in solar panel size. However, the development of new 400-watt-plus solar panels is also due to one-upmanship among solar panel producers, with each wanting to claim that their solar panel is the largest.

But, in the case of solar panels, does size really matter? To assess whether 400W solar panels are good for you, you must first understand your alternatives and how much energy 400W panels produce.

So, what exactly are 400W solar panels?

A 400w solar panel has a 400-watt output and may be utilized for both residential & commercial solar projects. 400w solar panels will generate between 1.2 and 3 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day, depending on sunshine exposure and other parameters such as geographic location and tilt.

How much electricity does a 400-watt solar panel produce on a daily basis?

A 400-watt solar panel will provide between 1,200 watt-hours (1.2 kilowatt-hours, or 1.2 kWh) and 3,000 watt-hours (3 kWh) of DC power each day in real-world conditions, depending on your location. Using the peak solar hour’s number for your area, you may get the precise value for where you reside. In general, sunny places like Texas receive 6 peak sun hours (PSH) every day. Simply multiply the panel wattage by the number of PSH - 400 W x 6 PSH - and we get 2,400 watt-hours (2.4 kWh) as the daily average energy production.

How many 400-watt solar panels do you need?

The quantity of solar panels you'll install is determined by the amount of power you intend to generate as well as the amount of space available for solar panels. Due to a paucity of roof space, many individuals choose the 400W solar panel; this is because 400W solar panels produce power more effectively than many lower-wattage solar panels given the area they require. The table below compares different solar panel system sizes based on the number of 400W solar panels required for each system size. The number of 400W panels is often rounded up to the nearest panel in some circumstances.

The number of solar panels needed is determined by how much power your property needs, as well as how much space you have. For small homeowners, 400W solar panels are often a good choice because they produce power more effectively per square foot than lower-wattage solar panels. The table below shows how many 400W panels you should buy for various roof sizes, including some related information about these panels.

Table 1.0 System Size Comparisons

System Size (Kw)	Number Of 400-Watt Solar Panels	Estimated Space Needed (Sq. Ft.)
2 kW	5	114
5 kW	13	296
6 kW	15	341
7 kW	18	410

Five 400W solar panels will generate around 3,000-kilowatt-hours (kWh), which is much less than the amount of power used by a typical single-family residence. Installing 15 panels for an approximately 6 kW system can generate enough power to drastically reduce or eliminate your electric cost.

How much space would a solar energy system need to take on your roof or property? Here is an estimate for a 400W solar panel. To calculate the estimated space, we assumed that 400W panels are, on average, 22.75 square feet (6.5’ by 3.5’).

How much space is needed for a solar installation with 400-watt solar panels?

System Size (Kw)	Average Annual Kwh Production	Number of 400w Solar Panels
2 kW	2,820	5
5 kW	7,050	13
6 kW	8,460	15
7 kW	9,870	18

When compared to smaller wattage panels, solar panels close to 400W are relatively efficient with space, and a regular roof of a single household will likely have adequate room for the number of panels required to considerably balance power expenses. Consider a ground-mounted solar system if you have a smaller roof or a roof that you don't want to be covered with panels.

400-watt Solar Panels are a Good Investment

Below is a list of solar panels that produce close to 400W of power, divided by their efficiency and the company that makes them.

Monocrystalline solar panels, often known as mono solar panels, are used in all of the solar panels on this list.  Monocrystalline cells will be the favored cell type for higher efficiency and higher wattage solar panels in 2022.

Manufacturer	Panel model	Wattage	Efficiency
Canadian Solar+	HiKu Mono PERC series	400-425	19.7 - 20.9
LG+	LG400N2W-A5	400	19.3
LG	LG405N2W-A5	405	19.5
Mission Solar	MSE SX6W	405 - 425	18.4 - 19.3
Mission Solar	MSE SX6Z	415 - 425	18.9 - 19.3
Silfab Solar	SIL-400 NU	400	19.6
SunPower+	A Series Residential	390-420	20.9 - 22.5
SunPower	SPR-E19-410-COM	410	19.1
SunPower	SPR-E20-435-COM	435	20.3
Trina Solar+	Tallmax TSM-DE15M(II)	390 - 415	19.2 - 20.4

Are 400W solar panels cost more?

Yes, a 400-watt panel costs more than a smaller size. It is not because they produce more energy, rather that they have a higher price per hour of energy produced.

Solar panel makers must use more innovative manufacturing procedures to create a solar panel that delivers more electricity while remaining the same size. Furthermore, 400-watt panels are newer, higher-end versions, and solar panel manufacturers typically incorporate a bigger profit margin on these goods.

If you install your solar energy system with 400 W solar modules instead of the more common 300-350W modules, you could expect to pay a 5-10% premium per watt.

Regardless of how effective a 400W solar panel is, the amount of power it produces will be affected by a number of basic factors, including:

• Peak solar hours in your location
• System type: the most common grid-connected systems lose roughly 15% of their power.
• Cloudy conditions: clouds can reduce panel efficiency by up to 25%.
• The orientation of solar panels
• Angle: An inclined roof around 30 degrees is thought to provide optimum performance.
• The materials used in the panel

To summarize, there are several aspects to consider while selecting the best solar equipment. For some homeowners with limited space, a 400-watt solar panel may make good sense. While these solutions are more expensive than lower wattage modules, you will need fewer of them to meet your electrical requirements. Getting a 400 watts solar panel is easier than you think. Let us show you the way. Contact Forme Solar today to find out if we can assist you!