How do I calculate solar panel requirements?

Solar energy is the main renewable source of energy which has the most potential to overrule all the challenges that we are facing now with non-renewable sources like green plants, oil, petroleum, electricity generated by water turbines etc.

As this traditional electricity cost is increasing beyond our reach and budget, we all know how important is solar energy and its power now. By adopting the solar power system and harnessing your own electricity (with solar panels) sufficient for your personal needs and others, you can always get rid of the harmful non-renewable resources like oil and coal etc.

When you decide on getting such incredible systems to your place, the first question that rises in your mind is how big solar system would be a need to your house or business.

Measuring the surrounding scenarios and calculating the requirements are very much obligatory. As if you install the smaller system which cannot take care of your needs, then you would end up adopting battery backups.

On the other hand if you get the bigger which is more than sufficient, then it would simply be a waste of money. So before making any decision on buying such sensitive system, it would be beneficial if you do some homework.

1) Calculate the electricity that your family or business consuming in a day

Collect your past 2-3 years electricity bill and make a math calculations to find out the average monthly electricity that you are using by dividing the sum of the electricity in Kwhs by 12.

Then divide this average monthly figure by 30 to get the daily power requirement of your place.

2) Determine the insolation (sunlight duration)

Search for the solar insolation table online and search for your nearby city and you’ll get the details about the average number of hours at which sunlight will be at it’s peak.

3) Calculate energy needs

Divide the daily power usage (Kwh) by the no of hours at which you have more sunlight from insolation. For example, let’s say an average daily consumption of energy is 15 kwhs and the number of hours at which you have sunlight at the peak is 5, then 15/5=3 kwhs.

Now keeping the standard power loss while transmitting and other process, always go for the pv system of 30% greater power than you require.

That means if your place requires 3 kwhs powered system you would have to take 3*1.3= 3.9 kwhs power system.

After calculating the power requirement, decide on the place where you want to get the system installed and label which is well known and famous in the market. Try to consult a solar system operators and dealers to know more and get the best option available which better suit your place and cover all of your requirements.