Hi, any recommendations in terms of the physical size of PV panels? I see the 540W JA Solar units are 2279mm x 1134mm × 35mm and a colleague commented that installers don't favour these due to the physical size and it being difficult to handle for two people. With the efficiency seeming to improve with size I guess the 'difficult' installation can be seen as a once off hassle?

they're very bulky and heavy for one person to handle, mine were 465w however.

2 people makes it much easier.

in my case I have a landrover with a heavy duty 4x4 roof rack which can handle a lot of weight safely, and simply got my supplier to load onto the roof. (only a 15 min drive back)

back home, line up with the carport and instant roof level panel unloading, no mess no fuss. 

having done it as 1 person, I can really say its not for the faint hearted, rather get a friend in.

 

Thank you, I appreciate the advice. 

my installer carried the JaSolar 540's up to the second storey roof

I've got the ja 540w installed. The installers didn't have an issue with them. 

Approximately 2279mm x 1134mm × 35mm is pretty much the industrial size used in ZA.
If you have the space, then it's not a problem.
Does required 2 people to handle and correct mounting on the correct clamping zones to prevent flex and damage.