Blog Highlight:- Learn how to calculate your home’s solar power needs with our easy step-by-step guide. Make informed decisions for sustainable solutions.
Installing solar power can be a great way to save money on your electricity bills and help you get rid of your carbon footprint. However, understanding and calculating how much solar power you adequately need, that fits in your budget is also important. With rising electricity costs in the Philippines, homeowners are turning to solar power more frequently. Solar energy not only helps you reduce electricity costs but also allows you to contribute to a cleaner and greener earth.
However, while moving forward with the idea of going solar, it is important to determine how much solar energy your home needs. Whether you are a beginner or looking to refine your solar panels, this blog will assist you in calculating the solar power needs for your home and equip you with the knowledge to invest carefully in your solar panels.
So, if you are interested to learn more about the intricacies involved in calculating the total solar power needs of your home, keep reading to find out more.
1. Access your Current Energy Consumption
Before investing in solar power make sure that you are aware of the current energy usage at your place. Gather all the bills, from last year to the present to get a clear picture of the monthly and annual energy consumption, to be measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh).
Calculate average daily consumption
To calculate this, determine your average daily energy usage, sum your total yearly consumption, and divide by 365 days. For example, if your annual usage is 8500kWh, your daily usage should be:
Average Daily Usage = 8500 kWh/365 = 23.28 kWh/day
2. Evaluate Solar Potential Based on Your Location
What also matters while evaluating solar potential is the location where you want to place your solar panels. The efficiency is influenced by solar insolation data, which measures peak sun hours per day. This data can be obtained through solar calculators or local solar energy providers. In the Philippines, you might get an average of 4.5 to 5.5 peak sun hours per day, hence depending on the season one should be able to adjust for seasonal variations.
3. Determine the Required Solar System Size
To evaluate the required system size, use your average daily usage and divide it by the average peak sun hours. For instance, with a daily usage of 24.66 kWh and 5 peak sun hours:
System Size ( kW)= 24.66 kWh per day divided by 2 peak sun hours= 4.93 kW
Since the panels operate at 75%- 85% efficiency due to factors such as shading, dust, and inverter losses the system needs to be optimized accordingly.
4. Calculate the Number of Solar Panels Needed
Solar panels come in various wattages, typically between 250W and 400W. Select a panel wattage to proceed with calculations. Proceeding this to calculate the number of panels divide the adjusted system size by the wattage of the chosen panels.
For 300W panels: Number of Panels=6,160 watts divided by 300 watts per panel ≈21 panels
5. Assess Roof Space and Orientation
Ensure that your panels are tilted towards the sun to make optimum use of sunlight. Adjust in case any obstructions or shades are restricting the sun’s rays. Along with these, make sure that your roof has enough space required to install the required number of panels. Since each panel typically requires about 18 square feet. For 21 panels,
21 panels×18 sq. ft/panel=378 sq. ft
6. Calculating ROI for your solar Panels
Investing in solar panels is a significant decision that will benefit your lifestyle in a positive way. And to make sure that you are able to maintain this, it is important to calculate the Return on investment (ROI) for your solar panels. By carefully determining it you will be able to make an informed decision about the financial benefits of installing solar panels and contributing to a greener and cleaner tomorrow. The ROI can be calculated as,
ROI (%) =[(Total Savings Over Lifespan−Initial Investment)/ Initial Investment]x 100
7. Choose wisely
To make sure that all your calculations and time are worth it, look for companies with good reviews and a solid track record. Enquire along with the other installers about their experience, the brands of equipment, and the performance of their solar panels, after-sales. A thorough comparison will help you choose the best option for your needs.
8. Installation and Maintenance
Once the installation process is completed, make sure that you monitor and maintain your solar panels so that they work efficiently. Although solar panels require minimum maintenance, regular cleaning, and inspections can help in maintaining efficiency and longevity.
Conclusion
Calculating the solar power needs involves understanding your current usage, evaluating your location’s solar potential, and determining the appropriate system size. By considering the options above, you can make an informed decision. Additionally, exploring battery options and regularly keeping your solar panels in check will help in creating a stronger base for improvement in the future.
Experience the benefits of clean, renewable energy with our top-notch solar power solutions. Nativ Techniks provides high-quality solar panels for home designed to meet the unique needs of homes in the Philippines. Reduce your electricity bills and contribute to a greener future.
To contact Nativtechniks call +639176310032 or drop a mail on wecare@nativtechniks.com.
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