1. What is Solar Panel System Sizing?

Solar panel system sizing is the process of determining the appropriate capacity (in kilowatts) of a solar power system needed to meet your specific energy requirements, taking into account local sunlight conditions and system efficiency factors.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following formula:

Where:

• \( \text{annual kWh} \) — Your annual electricity consumption in kilowatt-hours
• \( \text{hours of sun} \) — Average annual sunlight hours at your location
• \( \text{efficiency} \) — Overall system efficiency (typically 0.7-0.85)

Explanation: This calculation determines the solar system capacity needed to offset your electricity consumption based on local solar irradiation and system performance factors.

3. Importance of Proper System Sizing

Details: Proper system sizing is crucial for maximizing return on investment, ensuring reliable power supply, and avoiding over-sizing or under-sizing your solar installation. It helps optimize energy production and system cost-effectiveness.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your annual electricity consumption in kWh, average annual sunlight hours for your location in India, and system efficiency (typically 0.8 for most residential systems). All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical efficiency value for solar systems in India?
A: Most residential solar systems in India operate at 75-85% efficiency, accounting for inverter losses, temperature effects, and other factors.

Q2: How do I find the average sunlight hours for my location?
A: You can consult solar radiation maps for India or contact local solar installers who have location-specific data. Most regions in India receive 4-6 peak sun hours per day.

Q3: Should I size my system for 100% of my energy needs?
A: While 100% offset is ideal, you may want to consider future energy needs, available roof space, and budget constraints when determining system size.

Q4: What factors affect system efficiency?
A: Inverter efficiency, panel temperature coefficients, shading, dust accumulation, wiring losses, and panel orientation all impact overall system efficiency.

Q5: Does this calculator account for net metering?
A: This calculator provides the basic system size calculation. For net metering scenarios, you may need to consult with local solar providers for more detailed analysis.