1. What is a Solar Energy Panel Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the required solar panel power based on your energy needs, available sunlight, and system performance.

Purpose: It helps homeowners and solar installers determine the appropriate solar panel size for specific energy requirements.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( P \) — Required panel 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 necessary panel wattage.

3. Importance of Solar Panel 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 needs 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 a performance ratio?
A: It accounts for system losses from factors like temperature, wiring, inverters, and dirt. Typical values range from 0.7 to 0.85.

Q2: How do I find my daily energy load?
A: Sum the watt-hours of all devices you'll power. For appliances, multiply wattage by hours used per day.

Q3: What are typical sunlight hours?
A: Varies by location. US averages range from 3.5-6.5 peak sun hours daily. Check solar maps for your area.

Q4: Should I add a safety margin?
A: Yes, consider adding 10-20% to account for panel degradation over time and occasional poor weather.

Q5: Does this include battery storage?
A: No, this calculates panel requirements only. Battery sizing depends on your backup needs during non-sunny periods.