1. What is a Solar Load Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines the power required for a solar installation based on energy needs, sunlight hours, and system performance.

Purpose: It helps homeowners and solar installers properly size solar panel systems for optimal energy production.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( P \) — Required power (watts)
• \( Load \) — Daily energy requirement (watt-hours)
• \( H \) — Peak sunlight hours per day
• \( PR \) — Performance ratio (system efficiency)

Explanation: The energy load is divided by the product of sunlight hours and performance ratio to determine the solar panel capacity needed.

3. Importance of Solar Load Calculation

Details: Accurate calculations ensure your solar system meets energy needs without oversizing (which increases costs) or undersizing (which reduces effectiveness).

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your daily energy requirement in Wh, average sunlight hours (default 5), and performance ratio (default 0.75). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the performance ratio?
A: It accounts for system losses (typically 0.7-0.8) from factors like temperature, wiring, inverter efficiency, and dirt on panels.

Q2: How do I find my daily energy load?
A: Sum the watt-hours of all devices you'll power, or check your electricity bill for daily kWh usage (multiply by 1000 to get Wh).

Q3: What are typical sunlight hours?
A: This varies by location. In the U.S., it ranges from 3-7 peak sun hours per day depending on season and latitude.

Q4: Should I add a safety margin?
A: Yes, consider adding 10-20% to the calculated power to account for future needs and system degradation.

Q5: How does this relate to number of solar panels?
A: Divide the required power by your panel's wattage (e.g., 300W panels) to determine how many you need.