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Solar kW Calculation Formula:
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The kW Solar Calculation determines the required solar system size (in kilowatts) based on your energy consumption and the average daily sun hours in your location. This helps in designing an appropriate solar power system for your needs.
The calculator uses the simple formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula calculates the solar system size needed to generate your daily energy requirement based on the available sunlight.
Details: Proper solar system sizing is crucial for maximizing energy production, ensuring system reliability, and optimizing return on investment. An undersized system won't meet your energy needs, while an oversized system may be unnecessarily expensive.
Tips: Enter your daily energy consumption in kWh and the average daily sun hours for your location. Both values must be positive numbers. For accurate results, use your actual energy bill data and local solar insolation data.
Q1: What are peak sun hours?
A: Peak sun hours represent the equivalent number of hours per day when solar irradiance averages 1,000 W/m². This varies by location and season.
Q2: Should I consider system losses?
A: Yes, this calculation provides a basic estimate. In practice, you should account for system losses (typically 10-20%) due to factors like inverter efficiency, temperature, and shading.
Q3: How do I find my local sun hours?
A: You can use solar insolation maps or consult local solar installers who have access to precise solar data for your specific location.
Q4: Does this account for seasonal variations?
A: No, this calculation uses average daily values. For year-round reliability, size your system based on the month with the least sun hours or consider adding battery storage.
Q5: What about future energy needs?
A: It's recommended to factor in anticipated future energy increases when sizing your solar system to avoid needing expansions later.