How To Calculate Your Solar Power Needs.

Installing solar power can be a great way to save money on your electricity bills and help you get rid of your carbon footprint. Understanding and calculating how much solar power you will adequately need, and that fits in your budget is also important. With the rising electricity costs in the Philippines, homeowners are using 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 Knowledge , this guide will assist you in calculating the solar power you need for your home or business 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.

Access your Current Energy Consumption

Before investing in solar power make sure that you are aware of the current energy usage at your place. You need to 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

Evaluate Solar Potential Based on Your Location

What also will 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. The data can be obtained through solar calculators or local solar energy providers. Being In the Philippines, you might get an average of 4.5 to 5.5 peak sun hours per day, depending on the season one should be able to adjust for seasonal variations.

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:

Let’s say for example the System Size ( kW)= 24.66 kWh per day divided by 5 peak sun hours= 4.93 kW

Since most of the panels operate at 75%- 85% efficiency due to factors such as shading, dust, and inverter losses the system needs to be optimized accordingly.

Calculate the Number of Solar Panels Needed

Solar panels come in various wattages, typically between 250W and 600W. Select a panel wattage to proceed with calculations. After you know the panel you are after, you then calculate the number of panels divide the adjusted system size by the wattage of the chosen panels.

For 400W panels: Number of Panels=8,400 watts​ divided by 400 watts per panel ≈21 panels

Assess Roof Space and Orientation

Ensure that your panels are tilted towards the sun to make optimum use of sunlight. You will need to 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

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 your goal, it is important to calculate the Return on investment (ROI) for your solar panels. By carefully determining this, you will be able to make an informed decision about your 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

Choose wisely

To make sure that all your calculations and time are worth it, always look for companies with good reviews and a solid track record. You can also enquire with the other installers about their experience, the brands of equipment used, and the performance of their solar panels, and also after-sales. A thorough comparison will help you choose the best option for your needs.

Installation and Maintenance

Once you have made your decision and the installation process is completed, make sure that you monitor and maintain your solar panels so that they work efficiently. Although solar panels require very minimum maintenance, regular cleaning, and inspections can help in maintaining efficiency and longevity.

Now the Conclusion

Calculating solar power needs involves understanding your current usage, evaluating your location’s solar potential, and determining the appropriate system size to sustain your full needs. By considering all the options above, you can make an informed decision. In addition, 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. Davao Solar Works provides high-quality solar panels designed to meet the unique needs of homes in the Philippines. This will help reduce your electricity bills and contribute to a greener future.

Call us now at +63 0968-340-1541 or write to us at sales@davaosolarworks.com for top-notch solar solutions for your home or business. Visit us on our Facebook Page