1. What is a Solar Panel Sizing Calculator?

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

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:

• \( P \) — Solar panel power (watts)
• \( Load \) — Daily energy requirement (watt-hours)
• \( H \) — Peak sunlight hours per day
• \( PR \) — Performance ratio (system efficiency, 0-1)

Explanation: The energy requirement is divided by the product of sunlight hours and system efficiency to determine the needed panel power.

3. Importance of Proper Solar Panel Sizing

Details: Correct sizing ensures your solar system meets energy needs without overspending on unnecessary capacity while accounting for real-world efficiency losses.

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, with PR ≤ 1.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I find my daily energy requirement?
A: Check your electricity bill for kWh usage and multiply by 1000 to get Wh, then divide by 30 for daily average.

Q2: What are typical sunlight hours?
A: Most locations get 4-6 peak sun hours daily. Check solar maps for your exact location.

Q3: What affects the performance ratio?
A: Factors like temperature, shading, wiring losses, and inverter efficiency. 0.75 is typical for residential systems.

Q4: Should I round up the calculated power?
A: Yes, round up to the nearest standard panel size and consider adding 10-20% for future needs.

Q5: Does this include battery storage?
A: No, this calculates panel size only. Battery sizing requires additional calculations.