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Solar Panel System Size Formula:
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The Solar Panel System Size Calculator helps determine the appropriate solar panel system size (in kilowatts) needed for a home based on annual energy consumption, available sunlight hours, and system efficiency. It provides an accurate assessment for optimal solar energy planning.
The calculator uses the following formula:
Where:
Explanation: The equation calculates the required system size by dividing the annual energy needs by the product of available sunlight hours and system efficiency.
Details: Accurate system size calculation is crucial for optimizing solar energy production, ensuring adequate power supply, maximizing return on investment, and proper system design and installation.
Tips: Enter annual energy consumption in kWh, annual hours of sunlight available, and system efficiency as a decimal (e.g., 0.18 for 18% efficiency). All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What is a typical efficiency value for solar panels?
A: Most modern solar panels have efficiencies between 15-22%, with premium panels reaching up to 22-23% efficiency.
Q2: How do I estimate annual hours of sun for my location?
A: You can use solar insolation maps or consult local meteorological data. Most regions receive between 1200-2000 peak sun hours annually.
Q3: What factors affect system efficiency?
A: Panel quality, temperature, shading, orientation, tilt angle, inverter efficiency, and system losses all contribute to overall efficiency.
Q4: Should I oversize my solar system?
A: Many homeowners choose to oversize by 10-20% to account for future energy needs, efficiency degradation, and to maximize energy production.
Q5: How does this calculation help with cost estimation?
A: Knowing the required system size allows for accurate cost estimation, as solar systems are typically priced per watt or per kilowatt installed.