One of the first questions people ask us when thinking about going solar is, “what size solar system do I need?”. Because of this, we are writing this post.
Of course, every household is unique, and budgets are budgets!
By the end of this module, you should be able to estimate the size of your solar system and understand how each of these factors affects it.
Table of Contents
The Starting Point – Your Requirements
Thinking carefully about your goals for going solar is a good idea before you begin speaking with solar companies. The primary motivation is typically a reduction in electricity costs.
However, there are frequently additional motivators, such as increasing your household’s energy independence, reducing your CO2 emissions, and installing enough solar to charge a battery in your home.
Roughly Sizing Up a Solar System
A solar system can be roughly sized up; on average, a solar system will produce about four times its size per day, and solar power can save you $400 per kW per year.
For instance, a 5kW system will produce about 20 kWh per day and could help you save up to $500 on your electricity bill each quarter. This general guideline serves as a sufficient response to the question, “How much solar do I need?’
We are now beginning to size up nearly all of our solar systems to match your 24-hour usage rather than speculating how much solar energy you could use during the day as solar power prices continue to decline and battery storage is now a viable option for the majority of households.
Also Read: What Is The Highest Wattage Solar Panel?
What Size Solar Panel System Do You Need Exactly?
When sizing a solar system, follow these steps to find out exactly what will cover your energy needs.
Step 1: Decide How Many Panels You Need
In the end, how much electricity you want to produce will determine how many solar panels you need.
The majority of domestic systems have a power range of 1 kW to 4 kW. Larger‑capacity systems are more productive—and will save you more money—so you should get the biggest system you can for your home.
Step 2: Work Out How Much Roof Space You Have
In the UK, the majority of houses have solar panel-compatible roofs. The amount of space available for a solar panel system, however, may be impacted if your roof has a window, chimney, or vertical flue.
Step 3: Ensure Your Roof Can Bear the Weight of Your Chosen System
There will be some variation between brands as to the weight of a single panel, but the standard 60‑cell solar panels used in most residential systems weigh 18 kg–20 kg.
Although an installer would determine this as part of their initial inspection and determine whether any work is necessary to strengthen the roof, most homes have roofs that can support this weight with ease.
Final Thoughts on What Size Solar System Do I Need
Investing in a solar system is a smart solution for homeowners.
To get the most out of your solar installation, follow these steps to learn how to calculate your solar needs, get a sizing estimate, and choose the appropriate panels.
You Might Also Like: What Can 400w Solar Panel Power Run?
FAQs
How Many Solar Panels Do I Need for 1,000 Kwh Per Month?
With four panels, you can generate 4 kWh each day. If you have 33 panels, assuming a 30-day month, you will get 1,000 kWh per month.
How Much Power Does a 5kW Solar System Produce Per Day?
A 5kW solar system should on average produce around 20kWh per day.
Can I Oversize My Solar Panels?
You will use your inverter’s capacity more effectively and generate more power overall if you oversize the array.