PV array dead load is typically expressed in kN/m² or kg/m². Modern crystalline silicon modules contribute roughly 11 to 13 kg/m² of self-weight, with a single commercial panel weighing around 25 kg, and the mounting rails, clamps and fixings add a further few kg/m². Combined, a typical rail-mounted array adds 15 to 25 kg/m² of permanent dead load over the array footprint. For the full verified figures, see solar panel roof load in kg/m².
For ballasted systems on flat roofs, total dead load including ballast is typically 30 to 60 kg/m² over the array footprint, rising further at higher tilt or greater exposure where more ballast is needed to resist wind uplift. Structural engineers convert these values to kN/m² for use in Eurocode load combinations. The PV dead load is applied as a uniformly distributed load over the array footprint for assessment of purlin bending, shear, and deflection under Eurocode 3.