If you plan to go for an environmentally safe, low-cost option of electricity supply, then installing a solar panel is the perfect choice for you. However, the query raises “How many solar panels do I need for my home?” Calculating the precise amount of solar panels for home is not difficult. In this article we will give you the estimated number of panels based on various factors.
Factors Impacting on the Number of Panels You need
You must bear in mind the following factors: First, you should think about how many units you are using and how much energy you require each month. The size of the panel is the second consideration because solar panels vary in size, therefore it depends on the range you select. Another element that influences how many solar panels do I need is its efficiency. Last but not least, it’s crucial to think about where you want to put the solar panels.You must comprehend the following in order to determine how many solar panels do I need:
- The local climate and solar radiation levels
- The solar panels’ efficiency that you are thinking about
- The typical energy needs of your house
- The solar panels’ actual dimensions that you are thinking about
- The amount of energy you now utilise, measured in kWh
What Amount of Solar Energy Will I Require?
To understand how many solar panels do I need, check your prior utility bills to estimate the electric consumption of your home.
- Multiply the per hour energy with the hours of sunlight in your area.
- Now divide that number by the wattage of a solar panel.
To create a range, use examples of low-wattage (150 W) and high-wattage (370 W) panels (for example, 17-42 panels to generate 11,000 kWh/year). Keep in mind that other criteria include your roof’s size and the amount of sunlight it receives.
How many kW Solar Panel Do I Need?
Monthly Consumption (kWh) | System Required (kW) |
300 to 400 | 3.2 kW |
600 to 700 | 5kW |
1200 to 1400 | 10kW |
1800 to 2100 | 15kW |
2400 to 2700 | 20kW |
How to Calculate Your Electricity Consumption?
You can understand the solar panel installation sie for your house by, if a big house where air conditioners consume the most energy, may use 2,000 kWh or more a month, while a tiny house in a temperate zone might use about 200 kWh.
Your objective daily average for determining your solar demands is your typical daily energy consumption. If you wish to meet most, if not all, of your electricity needs, your solar system must generate that many kilowatt-hours.
- Check your electricity statement to see how much you use on average.
- Find “Kilowatt Hours (or kWh) Used” or a comparable term, and then take note of the duration (often 30 days).
- Look for both the starting and ending meter readings and deduct the prior reading from the most recent one if your bill does not display the number of kilowatt hours utilized.
What if just a monthly figure is written on my bill?
If your bill does not display a daily average, simply divide the monthly or annual average by 30 or 365 days, respectively, and then divide that number by 24 to find your hourly average power usage. This is because you want to calculate your usage on a daily and hourly basis. You will respond in kilowatt.
Tip: It’s crucial to remember that solar panels don’t always function at their best. Weather can momentarily lower the effectiveness of your system. To make sure you can produce all the renewable energy you want, experts advise adding a 25% “cushion” to your intended daily average.
An average 1 kilowatt solar panel generates 4 unit per day
How to Calculate Solar Panel Size?
The solution for the query “how many solar panels do i need” based upon the following calculation. For instance if you’re using 1000 units per month so;
- Monthly units (1000) / No. of days (30) = 34 units per day
- How many solar panels do I need based on;
- Daily units (34) / average units per day (4) = 8.5 kilowatt
- Thus, solar energy for residential use will require following number of panels;
- 8500W / 545 (panel wattage) = 15 panels
You will require a 9kW solar panel system to cover your energy needs if your daily use is 34 units on average. This is due to the fact that a typical 1 kW solar panel installation generates about 4 units every day.
Panel wattage affects system size. You will need a larger system size if you are using low-wattage panels and fewer panels if you are using high-wattage panels.
Solar Panel Sizing Guide
Here’s the guide of solar energy for residential use.
Size of Your Home (meter per square, m2) | Solar Panel System Size |
50 | 2 to 3 |
100 | 4 to 6 |
150 | 6 to 9 |
200 | 8 to 12 |
250 | 10 to 12 |
300 | 12 to 18 |
A great way to produce clean energy and reduce your electricity costs is using solar panels. Do not hesitate to install them in your home if you are considering doing so. You will save money and contribute to environmental protection with this investment.
Conclusion
You can determine the optimal number of panels for your electricity generating needs, or at least a reasonable range, by knowing the answers of how many solar panels would I need? To determine whether and how you would be able to physically place the appropriate number of panels on your roof to meet your daily energy production goals, a professional installer must evaluate your roof architecture, direction to the sun, and other criteria. If you have any further confusion about how many solar panels do I need? Feel free to contact us.