You can calculate the size of the solar system and the number of solar panels needed using a not so complicated algorithm. The numbers you have to put into the equation are your monthly electricity usage, the number of peak hours of sunshine per day, and the power of a solar panel.

Calculating the size of the solar system for an energy use of 2000 kWh

For example, let’s start by assuming you need a solar panel system that can generate 2000 kWh per month. You should know right off the bat that 2000 kWh per month is a lot of energy, and you would need an impressive solar system to provide it. Although we use this number only as an example, in case you consume 2000 kwh per month, our advice would be to take some energy reduction measures and stay connected to the electricity grid, in case the solar system cannot continue. up to date with the demand.

Now you need to find out how many hours per day your system will be able to produce enough electricity for your needs. The panels produce power only when the sun is high in the sky and shines directly on them. At night, the panels do not produce anything. In the morning and afternoon, when the sun is weak, the power output is also insufficient. Depending on the area where you live, there can be 4-6 hours of peak sunlight every day, when the system will produce the electricity it needs, and sometimes even more than it needs.

If you want to have 2,000 kWh per month, it means that you have to produce 2,000/30 kWh every day, that is, 66.66 kWh per day. Taking into account that there are 4 hours of maximum sun every day in your area, the solar system will have to produce 66.66/4 = 16.66 kwh per hour, which means 16660 in watts. Now, different types of panels produce more or less watts of energy. If you go for one that produces 150 watts, you’ll need around 111 solar panels. Yes, that’s a lot.

To approximate the space required for a solar system of this type, it is necessary to know that, to generate 2000 kWh per month, a 24.8 kWp (peak kilowatt) system is needed. Every 1 kwp needs about 100 square feet of space.

It is indeed a large system, but if you want to save some money on your bills, you don’t need to build a system that provides all the power you use. You can stay connected to the electrical grid and build a system that supplies 30%, 40% or 50% of the power you need, depending on your budget and available roof space.