Investing in solar power is a big decision. Not only do you need to factor in the initial cost of purchasing and installing a solar system, but you also need to think about ongoing maintenance costs and the potential for return on investment (ROI).
Solar power systems come in all shapes and sizes, so selecting the proper size system for your needs is crucial. Here are some factors to help you determine the size of the solar system you need:
What is solar sizing?
Solar sizing determines the number of solar panels and batteries needed to power your home or business. The first step is to calculate your energy usage. This will give you a baseline for how much energy you need to produce with your solar system.
Your average daily energy usage is the key factor in determining the size of your solar system. You can find your average daily energy usage by looking at your past electricity bills. If you are considering switching to solar, you may also consider reducing your energy usage. This will lower the size and cost of the solar system you need and also help you save money on your electricity bill.
Factors to help determine your solar size.
When you are thinking about the size of your solar system, there are vital factors to keep in mind:
Energy usage
The first step is to calculate your energy usage. This will give you a good idea of how much power you need to generate. Check your electricity bills from the past year to get an accurate estimate. This way, you will know exactly how much energy you need to generate and the size of your system accordingly.
Battery storage
The number of batteries you need will depend on how much power you want to store. If you live in an area with frequent power outages, you may want to consider a larger battery storage system. This will ensure that you have enough power to get through an outage. Batteries store solar energy at night or during a power outage. The more batteries you have, the more solar energy you can store.
Solar insolation
Solar insolation measures how much sunlight hits an area over a while. It’s important to factor in solar insolation when sizing your solar system because this will affect how much power your system can generate. Use a solar insolation map to determine the average sun hours in your area.
Solar panel efficiency
Each solar panel has a different efficiency rating. This rating indicates how much the sun’s energy is converted into electricity. More efficient panels will produce more power, so it’s essential to factor in panel efficiency when sizing your solar system.
Number of appliances
The number of appliances you have in your home will also affect the size of your solar system. If you have a lot of energy-hungry appliances, you will need a larger system to meet your needs. Conversely, if you have a smaller number of appliances, you can get away with a smaller system.
Roof size
The roof size is also a big factor when sizing your solar system. You need to make sure that you have enough space on your roof to accommodate the number of panels you need to generate the amount of power you desire.
Financial considerations.
Finally, you need to think about your financial situation and budget. Solar power systems can be expensive, so you must ensure you can afford the initial investment. Also, consider any incentives or rebates that may be available to offset the cost of your system.
Considering all of these factors, you can narrow down the size of the solar system you need to power your home or business. With some research, you can find the perfect solar solution for your needs.
Need help with sizing your solar system?
While determining the size of your solar system is one thing, talking to an expert can be the best way to get some clarity on your specific needs. At Advosy Energy, we are always here to help you make the best decision for your home. Our team of Arizona solar installers has the experience and knowledge to ensure that you get the most out of your solar system both aesthetically and in terms of energy production. Call us today for professional solar installation in Arizona.