1. What is a Solar Panel System Size Calculator?

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

Purpose: It helps homeowners and businesses determine the appropriate solar panel capacity for their energy requirements.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( P \) — System size (watts)
• \( Load \) — Daily energy requirement (watt-hours)
• \( H \) — Peak sunlight hours (hours)
• \( PR \) — Performance ratio (system efficiency factor)

Explanation: The energy requirement is divided by the product of sunlight hours and performance ratio to determine the needed system size.

3. Importance of System Size Calculation

Details: Proper sizing ensures your solar system meets energy needs without over-investing in unnecessary capacity.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your daily energy needs in watt-hours, average peak 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) due to temperature, wiring, inverters, and other factors.

Q2: How do I find my daily energy requirement?
A: Check your electricity bills for kWh usage and convert to watt-hours (1 kWh = 1000 Wh).

Q3: What are typical sunlight hours?
A: Varies by location (3-6 hours in most areas). Check solar maps for your region.

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

Q5: Does this account for battery storage?
A: No, this calculates the solar array size only. Battery sizing requires additional calculations.