How do I determine what size solar system I need?
When it comes to sizing your solar system, there are many factors that play a role in how much power you will generate and the cost of operating your solar system. However, most homeowners don’t understand how to determine exactly what size system they need.
The first step is to identify your home’s typical monthly energy usage. Look at past bills, check online for current rates, and calculate monthly self-consumption by subtracting out any electricity you purchase from the grid. Once you have your monthly consumption figure, use this as a starting point for determining your ideal target amount of energy use per month.
Once you know your ideal monthly consumption figure, compare that with the output capacity of different types of solar systems available in the market today.
Is your home new construction?
If your home is new construction, you might be able to get a solar system with a lower capacity that will still cover your needs. If you are buying a panel for a house that is already finished, you might need more space than the average solar-powered home.
Taking into account how much energy you need per month, how many panels will be needed and the quality of the system, this will help determine what size solar system to buy.
How many people will be using the home?
This will affect the size of the individual solar systems. If you have a large home and your family is always inside, then a larger solar system will be necessary. But if your family spends most of their time outside, then a smaller system will suffice.
What is your ideal peak period for energy use?
The amount of power your system produces at its peak is a key factor in determining what size you will need. It’s essential to choose a system with the capacity to meet your peak period for energy use or that can efficiently run non-peak hours for those who don’t use much electricity at night.
Once you know how much power you want your solar system to produce and at what time, compare that with the number of rooftop panels needed and the cost. This will help determine how much money you should set aside for buying panels and installing your system.
How sunny is your location?
How sunny is your location? This is a key question to ask when determining what size solar system you need. In general, the higher the number of hours spent outdoors, the more energy you will produce. If half of your days are sunny, then a small system would be sufficient for your needs. However, if 85% of your days are sunny, then a larger system would be necessary to meet your power needs.
How much shading do you have in your system?
For shading-free systems, consider how much energy your home uses per day and multiply this number by 12 to get a month’s worth. For example, if you typically use 300 kWh/day and your ideal monthly consumption is 250 kWh, then you need a solar system capable of generating 1.5 MW-hrs of energy to meet your needs.
Additional considerations when sizing a solar system
– The size of your system also affects how much money you can save by using solar power as a percentage of your total monthly energy usage.
– You will also have to consider how much space you have and how much time you want to dedicate to installation.