Freight Class for Solar Panels
Pallets of solar panels usually rate freight class 65 to 70. Silfab lists a vertical pallet of 31 modules at 99 × 45 × 51 inches and 2,170 lb, which is 16.5 lb/ft³, class 70. Makers also set handling limits that matter as much as the class: REC and Silfab allow pallets to be stacked no more than two high, and Silfab requires the packaging to stay upright.
Modules per pallet and per container
Module makers publish their pallet counts. REC packs 33 of its Alpha Pure-R panels on a pallet and 858 in a 40-foot container. Jinko packs 31 of its 72-cell Tiger Neo modules, each 89.69 × 44.65 × 1.38 inches and 61.73 lb, on a pallet, 62 to a two-pallet stack and 620 in a 40-foot high cube.
Silfab's installation manual lists a vertical pallet of 31 modules at 99 × 45 × 51 inches and 2,170 lb. That works out to 16.5 lb/ft³, class 70. A single module is denser on its own, but the pallet, corner posts and gaps lower the figure.
Worked examples
Pallet and module figures come from the makers' datasheets and manuals.
31-module pallet — class 70
Silfab vertical pallet of 31 modules: 99 × 45 × 51 in, 2,170 lb.
99 × 45 × 51 = 227,205 in³ ÷ 1,728 = 131.5 ft³. Density = 2,170 lb ÷ 131.5 ft³.
16.5 lb/ft³ → class 70. At 99 inches long, it is also past the 8-foot length-charge line.
One module, bare — class 65
REC Alpha Pure-R module: 68.1 × 44.0 × 1.2 in, 47.4 lb.
68.1 × 44.0 × 1.2 = 3,596 in³ ÷ 1,728 = 2.1 ft³. Density = 47.4 lb ÷ 2.1 ft³.
22.8 lb/ft³ → class 65 for the glass and frame alone; packaging lowers it.
Stacking and handling rules
REC's packaging data sheet allows pallets to be stacked no more than two high, both in storage and in transport. Silfab says the same, and adds that packaging must be kept upright during transport and storage.
Silfab also warns that the plastic wrap and cardboard do not protect modules from rain, snow or flooding, and that modules should not be stored outside for more than 60 days. REC puts the duty for load safety on the freight company and driver, and warns that loading without airbags or load belts can damage the modules.
What that means for LTL
Mark the pallets "do not stack more than 2 high" and "this side up". A carrier that cannot stack a pallet may count it at a set height under its no-stack rule, so ask before booking whether two-high stacking will be allowed.
Large modules make long pallets. Silfab's 99-inch pallet is past the 8-foot point where XPO and FedEx Freight add a length charge, $460 or $375 per shipment, so check the pallet length on every quote.
Check your solar pallet
Enter the pallet's length, width and height from the floor and its total weight. Then check the length: long module pallets can pass a carrier's 8-foot length-charge line.
Density-based estimate. Some commodities carry a fixed NMFC class — check our freight class by commodity pages.
Estimated Freight Class
Density
26.25
lb/ft³
Volume
53.33
ft³
Weight
1,400
lb
22.5–30 lb/ft³ → Class 65
NMFC density scale (Docket 2025-1, effective July 19, 2025)
Free PDF includes a watermark. Pro removes it & adds your brand.
Estimates only — verify freight class/NMFC and chargeable weight with your carrier.
Uses the 13-tier NMFC density scale (Docket 2025-1). See the full freight class chart.
Frequently asked questions
What freight class are solar panels?
A pallet of solar panels usually rates class 65 to 70. Silfab's 31-module pallet, 99 × 45 × 51 inches and 2,170 lb, measures 16.5 lb/ft³, class 70.
How many solar panels are on a pallet?
It depends on the module. REC packs 33 Alpha Pure-R panels per pallet, Jinko 31 Tiger Neo modules, and Silfab 26 to 31 depending on the model.
How many solar panels fit in a 40-foot container?
REC lists 858 Alpha Pure-R panels (26 pallets) per 40-foot container; Jinko lists 620 Tiger Neo modules per 40-foot high cube.
Can solar panel pallets be stacked?
Only two high, according to both REC and Silfab, in storage and in transport. Silfab also requires the packaging to stay upright.