With modern high-power panels, a 3 kW system needs about 17 to 18 m² (around 185 to 190 sq ft) of shade-free roof. A 5 kW system needs about 28 to 30 m², and a 10 kW system about 56 to 57 m².
Why newer panels need less roof
Roof space depends on how much power each panel makes. Tenzor’s N-TOPCon modules are rated 575 to 635 watts each, so fewer panels are needed for the same system size:
- Stellar Series: 610–635 Wp, 2.382 m × 1.134 m (about 2.70 m² each)
- Pulsar Series: 575–600 Wp, 2.278 m × 1.134 m (about 2.58 m² each)
Roof space by system size
The figures below include about 30% extra space for walkways, gaps between rows and clearance from roof edges.
| System size | Stellar 635 Wp panels | Roof area needed | Pulsar 600 Wp panels | Roof area needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 kW | 5 panels (3.18 kWp) | 17.6 m² (189 sq ft) | 5 panels (3.00 kWp) | 16.8 m² (181 sq ft) |
| 5 kW | 8 panels (5.08 kWp) | 28.1 m² (302 sq ft) | 9 panels (5.40 kWp) | 30.2 m² (325 sq ft) |
| 10 kW | 16 panels (10.16 kWp) | 56.2 m² (605 sq ft) | 17 panels (10.20 kWp) | 57.1 m² (615 sq ft) |
What else affects the space you need
- Shade: water tanks, staircases, parapet walls and nearby trees or buildings cast shadows. Panels should sit in areas that stay sunny for most of the day.
- Roof direction: in India, panels facing south generally produce the most.
- Structure: raised mounting structures can use space above a terrace, leaving the floor usable.
- Local rules: your housing society or building rules may limit where panels can go.
These are planning figures. An authorised Tenzor partner measures your roof, checks shading and confirms the final layout during a site visit.
Check your own roof
The Tenzor solar calculator shows the approximate roof area for the system it recommends.
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