Congratulations on deciding to switch to solar power panels! You must be proud to contribute to sustainable energy and participate in the drive for a greener future. However, choosing the right size for the best solar power panel is a complex puzzle.
You may have multiple questions, including how solar power panels work and whether my roof can accommodate sufficient panels. Let’s declutter the technical jargon in this simplified guide.
Considerations to Calculate Solar Panel Size
Switching to a solar power panel system requires adequate homework. Let’s help you with that through these significant technical considerations to calculate the solar panel system size suitable for your home:
What is Your Average Monthly Electric Consumption?
Let’s keep first things first. Consider your approved electric load (concerned with your energy meter approval) and examine your electric bills for about a year.
Calculate the average monthly electric consumption per month (dividing a year’s total by 12). Your average monthly electric consumption (say 250 or 370 kWh, for example) should be the reference point for your further calculation of solar panel size.
Consider Peak Sun Hours in a Day
Look for reliable sources to get the peak sun hours in your location, such as your local utility resources. Peak sun hours in Melbourne vary according to season. The city receives a maximum of 7 to 8 hours during summer (mainly in December and January).
Considering climate conditions throughout the year, latitude, and cloud coverage, take 4.5 hours as an average daily peak sun hours.
Determine Solar Power Requirement
Let’s calculate your daily household energy consumption using the following simple formula:
Ideal Solar Panel System Size = Average Daily Power Consumption (in kWh) / Average Daily Sun Peak Hours
So, if your home consumes 25 kWh daily, you need a solar panel system of 25/4.5 = 5.56 kW. To cover possible additional power requirements, you can opt for a 6.6-kW solar panel system.
Narrow Down to the Number of Solar Panels.
The next step is to determine how many panels your solar panel system would comprise. In Australia, domestic solar panels are typically available in a 1.6 metre width by 1 metre height, delivering about 440W power.
Now, divide your required solar panel system capacity by panel wattage to get the number of solar panels needed.
As per the example we have taken, suppose if your solar system requirement is 5.6 kW,
Number of solar panels = solar system required / panel wattage
= 5.6 / 0.44
= 12.73
Your solar system will tentatively have 13 solar panels.
Assess Your Roof Size Suitability
We have discussed the standard domestic solar system panel size in the previous point. If you need to install a minimum of 13 solar panels of say 1.7 square metres each, your required roof space would be:
Roof area requirement = The number of solar panels X Area of each panel
= 13 X 1.7
= 22.1 square metres.
Other Technical Aspects
So far, we have seen tentative calculations for determining the solar power panel system size. Yet, while practically installing the system at your home, professional rooftop solar panel providers also consider other technical aspects such as:
- Is the roof area too tight to accommodate the required number of panels?
- Should you go for solar panels with higher wattage to save space?
- What direction of tilt and orientation helps capture maximum sunlight?
- Which mounting kit would be ideal for your roof type?
- What type of solar panel system (off-grid, on-grid, or hybrid) would be feasible for your power goals?
- What inverter and battery capacity would suit your system to retain system balance?
The Bottom Line
The article narrates the process to calculate the appropriate solar system size. To ensure you choose the best solar power panels, prefer working with the most reliable vendors offering solar panel installation in Melbourne.
Choosing an experienced service provider will ensure you get the perfect solar panel system customised to your needs, and make a wise long-term investment to achieve energy self-sufficiency.
FAQs
Q 1: Why should you calculate solar panel system size?
Ans: Calculating solar panel size helps you assess if your roof can accommodate a suitable solar panel system. Also, you can figure out an adequate solar power capacity for your needs.
Q 2: What is the standard solar panel size in Australia?
Ans: Residential solar panels in Australia usually measure approximately 1.6 m in height by 1 m in width. One panel (with 60 cells) produces about 440W of power.
Q 3: Why should you consult experts for solar panel installation?
Ans: Service providers offering solar panel installation in Melbourne possess adequate experience and expertise in pre-engineering, site inspection, selection of a proper mounting kit suiting your roof, and complete solar panel installation. Thus, you can rest assured that the project is in the right hands. Getting solar installations from experts is always better than DIY.