We can use a complete off grid system, but we must determine how large the solar photovoltaic system is to operate independently and meet the requirements of the entire family.
You also need a place to store the solar energy generated by the solar panels. For this, you will need a solar power station or solar cells. They are an absolute necessity for storing off grid solar energy.
How big should the offline system be now? Well, it depends on how much electricity your house requires, how much available roof space you have, the amount of direct sunlight the solar panels receive every day, and the type of solar panel you choose.
On average, if you want your entire family to rely on solar energy, your house will need a 7 kW solar system. Please remember that you will find solar panels of different sizes and shapes. There are also DIY toolkits available for you to purchase.
In addition, there is a grid connected solar system that, when the public grid is available, will be connected to the grid and generate electricity. For this, you don’t have to rely on batteries or battery packs to store energy.
Now, the performance of solar panels will be rated under standard test conditions STC. Usually, larger solar panels will provide you with higher performance. For example, if your house requires 7 kW and you want 200 watts of solar panels, you need at least 35 panels to meet your energy needs.
If the size of the solar system is 10 kW, at least 52 solar panels are required. Meanwhile, for a solar system scale of 20 kW, it is best to use 105 solar panels (positive or negative).
The following basic formula will help you understand the number of solar panels needed in your home.
Step 1: Obtain your latest electricity bill. Now, check how much energy your house consumes. Energy consumption will be displayed in kWh. This is the energy used.
Step 2: After completing step 1, calculate the number of hours your roof receives sufficient solar energy. This is the time when solar panels have the highest efficiency. If you live in a place with sufficient sunlight, you don’t have to look for a larger solar system.
Meanwhile, if you receive less sunlight, your house will require more solar panels. The key is to generate enough energy from solar panels to provide the best electricity for your home. The average peak hours of sunlight usually reach 1000W/square meter.
Step 3: Calculate the number of hours you have received appropriate sunlight or solar energy within a month. Now, multiply the hours by 30. No matter what you get, you need to divide it by 1000kWh.
For example, suppose you accept a peak sunshine time of 5.44 hours. Multiply it by 30 and you will get 163.2. Round the number to 163. Divide by 1000 to obtain 6.1. Now, this 6.1 is the kW solar system that your home needs.
Step 4: The number you obtain will be multiplied by 1000, resulting in 6100 watts. Assuming you want to purchase a 200 watt solar panel system. Now, dividing 61000 by 200 yields 31. Therefore, the number of solar panels you need is 31. This is how you calculate the size of the solar system and the number of solar panels required.
