When it comes to choosing a solar system for your home, one of the most important decisions is determining the correct capacity of the PV panels to be installed. This is influenced by various factors such as roof size, shading, power consumption and budget.
Step 1: Determine your energy consumption
The first step in choosing the right installation capacity is to determine your average energy consumption. This information is available on your utility bill or by conducting an energy audit. The goal is to determine the amount of energy you need to generate to meet most or all of your household’s electricity needs.
Step 2: Measure your roof space
Once you have determined your energy consumption, you need to measure the available roof space suitable for solar panel installation. This includes the area that is free of shading from trees, buildings, or other obstructions. The ideal orientation for the panels is south-facing in the northern hemisphere and north-facing in the southern hemisphere.
Step 3: Calculate the number of sun hours in your area
The number of sun hours in your area will impact the amount of energy your system generates. You can find this information online or by contacting a local solar installation company.
Step 4: Determine the panel capacity
The capacity of a solar panel is measured in Watts (W), and the standard panel size ranges from 250W to 400W. To determine the ideal panel capacity, divide your average energy consumption by the number of sun hours in your area.
Step 5: Calculate the number of panels
Once you have determined the required panel capacity, divide it by the capacity of each panel to determine the number of panels you need. For example, if your estimated panel capacity is 7kW, and each panel has a capacity of 350W, you would need 20 panels. You can view Maysun Solar’s product list and select the panel you like.
Step 6: Consider your budget
Your budget will also play a role in determining the installation capacity. If you have a limited budget, you may need to start with a smaller system and add more panels later on. You can get the knowledge about “How to add photovoltaic panels to a tiled roof ” in another article. On the other hand, if you have a larger budget, you may choose to install a larger system from the start.
In conclusion, choosing the right installation capacity for your photovoltaic system is essential to ensure that you make the most of your investment. By following the steps outlined above, you can determine the ideal capacity for your home and generate the energy you need to power your daily life.
