Solar panels with 400–500 watts compared
1 Solar systems from established makers · Selection index 100.0 ±0.0% 7 d · avg €135 · as of 18/10/2026
Price table · 1 Solar systems
Want to build or expand your balcony power plant yourself? Here you'll find individual panels in the typical 400 to 520 Wp range – without inverter or accessories.
Why 400 to 500 Wp is the standard
Panels in this output class usually have 108 or 120 half-cells and measure around 1.7 to 1.95 metres long and just over 1.1 metres wide. Two of them fit on many balconies and together deliver the 800 to 1,000 Wp that make good use of an 800 W inverter. If you have more space, you can combine four panels up to the 2,000 Wp limit.
When choosing, look at dimensions and weight first. A glass-glass panel often weighs over 20 kilograms; the mount and railing must support that plus the wind load. Also check that the panel's open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current match your inverter's inputs.
Technical terms explained
The same buzzwords keep cropping up in product titles. Here's what they mean:
- N-type / TOPCon: more modern cell technology, usually with slightly higher efficiency and lower degradation than older P-type cells.
- Glass-glass: glass on the front and back – robust, durable, often with a longer performance warranty.
- Bifacial: the panel also uses light that hits its rear side; the extra yield depends heavily on the surface beneath.
- Full black: black cells and frame – visually discreet, with hardly any technical difference.
- Positive power tolerance: the panel delivers at least its rated output, never less.
Shipping and what's included
Large panels are often delivered by freight carrier or on a pallet. Check the shipping costs and whether delivery is to the kerb or into your home. Inspect the glass for cracks on delivery and document any damage immediately. Many offers are priced per panel, some as a twin pack – so always compare the price per Wp.
Expanding an existing system
Many owners of older 600 Wp balcony power plants are upgrading today. If your inverter has free inputs or you swap it for an 800 W model, you can add more panels up to the 2,000 Wp limit. Where possible, buy panels with similar electrical values to your existing ones if they're going on the same input. Afterwards, update the panel output in the Market Master Data Register.