Installing solar panels is the perfect choice if you want to move towards a sustainable energy future. However, if you’re like one of the many people who find technology confusing, getting started might feel like a challenge.
Luckily, a solar system size calculator makes it easier for you to get started. To find out more about how to measure your current energy needs and to find out a good size solar system for you, keep reading.
We prepared this guide for using a solar panel size calculator.
Determine Your Location
The first step in using a solar system size calculator is determining your exact location. This is important because the amount of sunlight you receive will vary depending on where you live.
Some locations receive more sunlight than others, so it’s important to know your location to get an accurate estimate. To determine your location for using a solar system size calculator, you will need the following information:
Latitude and Longitude
You can find this information using a GPS device, a smartphone app, or an online map. Open your device and look for this information.
Average Daily Sun Hours
This is the average number of hours per day that the sun shines on your location. You can find this information by searching online, contacting a local weather station, or using a solar irradiance calculator.
Tilt Angle
This is the angle at which the solar panels will be installed on your roof or ground-mounted system. The tilt angle will vary depending on the season and your location, but a common angle is equal to the latitude of your location.
Orientation
This is the direction that the solar panels will face. The optimal orientation for solar panels is south in the Northern Hemisphere and north in the Southern Hemisphere, as this will maximize the amount of sunlight they receive throughout the day.
Once you have this information, you can input it into a solar system size calculator to estimate the size of the solar panel system you will need for your location.
The calculator will use all this information to estimate the amount of electricity your solar panel system will produce. It will take into account factors such as the amount of sunlight your location receives, the tilt angle of the panels, and the orientation of the panels.
Determine Your Energy Usage
The next step is to determine your energy usage. This will help you determine how much energy your solar system will need to generate. You can find this information on your energy bill or by contacting your energy provider. Take a peek here to get professional help in determining your energy usage.
To determine your energy usage for solar panel sizing, you will need to gather information about your energy consumption habits. Here are the steps to follow:
Check Your Past Utility Bills
Look at your monthly or annual energy bills to see how much energy you use on a regular basis. Make sure to look at your energy usage over the course of a year, as your energy consumption may vary depending on the season.
List Down All Electrical Appliances and Their Usage
Make a list of all the appliances and electronics that you use regularly, and note the wattage or energy usage of each one. This information can usually be found on the manufacturer’s website or on the label attached to the device.
Estimate Your Daily Energy Usage
Add up the energy usage of all the appliances and electronics you use on a daily basis to get an estimate of your daily energy usage.
Multiply by the Number of Days in a Year
Multiply your daily energy usage by 365 to get an estimate of your annual energy usage. You can now use this information to size your solar panel system.
A good rule of thumb is to aim for a solar panel system that will produce about 80% of your annual energy usage. This will help ensure that you have enough energy to power your home. This rule of thumb also allows room for future energy consumption increases.
It’s important to keep in mind that these are rough estimates, and the actual energy consumption of your home may differ. To get the most accurate estimate, you can consider having a professional energy audit conducted.
Input Your Information Into the Solar System Size Calculator
Once you have determined your location and energy usage, you can input this information into the solar system size calculator. You will also be asked to input other information, such as the type of roof you have, the angle of your roof, and the direction it faces.
View the Results
After you have input all of your information into the calculator, you will be able to view the results. This will give you an estimate of the size of the solar system you will need, the number of solar panels you will need, and the average cost of installation.
Get Multiple Quotes
It is important to get multiple quotes from different solar companies to ensure that you get the best deal. You can compare the quotes to see which company offers the best price and the best quality of service.
Choose the Best Option
Once you have received multiple quotes, you can choose the best option for your needs. You can take into consideration the cost of installation, the quality of the equipment, and the company’s reputation.
Get Professional Installation
Once you have chosen a solar company, it is important to get professional installation. A professional installer will ensure that your solar system is installed correctly and will provide you with a warranty for the equipment.
Consider Installing a Solar System Soon
A solar system size calculator is a useful tool for anyone who is considering using solar energy. It helps you determine the size of the solar system you will need and the cost of installation.
Follow this guide; make an informed decision about whether solar energy is right for you and make the most of its benefits.
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