Photovoltaic solar systems are not “one size fits all.” Each household and business has different requirements, which will help determine the size of the system needed. To get an idea about the size of the photovoltaic solar system you’ll need, the following are factors we figure and consider when designing a new photovoltaic solar system installation:
1. Determine the total number of watt hours of energy will be needed each day. Put together a list of all the appliances and devices which are in use every day. Next, list how many hours that each device runs throughout a typical day.
2. Find your peak power output. Using your list of appliances and devices, determine the power draw of each device in watts- approximate power usage for household appliances and devices can be found online. To find your peak power output, determine which devices will be operating at the same time throughout the day. Add up the watts of all devices which will be used together to find the highest wattage that will be needed at any one time during the day.
3. Determine the duty cycle. If you’ll be installing a photovoltaic solar system for your primary residence, it’ll likely be in use 7 days a week. On the other hand, photovoltaic solar systems in use for offices and businesses may get a break in use over the weekend period when operations are shut down.
4. Estimate the number of good sunlight hours a location should receive. Sunlight hours can vary from day to day due to seasonal changes and weather conditions. If an installation location for a photovoltaic solar system will only be in use seasonally, such as a vacation residence or a business with seasonal operation, this factor will also be considered.
To learn more about sizing your photovoltaic solar system, contact Smith Sustainable Design. Our team installs photovoltaic solar systems for home and business owners in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
1. Determine the total number of watt hours of energy will be needed each day. Put together a list of all the appliances and devices which are in use every day. Next, list how many hours that each device runs throughout a typical day.
2. Find your peak power output. Using your list of appliances and devices, determine the power draw of each device in watts- approximate power usage for household appliances and devices can be found online. To find your peak power output, determine which devices will be operating at the same time throughout the day. Add up the watts of all devices which will be used together to find the highest wattage that will be needed at any one time during the day.
3. Determine the duty cycle. If you’ll be installing a photovoltaic solar system for your primary residence, it’ll likely be in use 7 days a week. On the other hand, photovoltaic solar systems in use for offices and businesses may get a break in use over the weekend period when operations are shut down.
4. Estimate the number of good sunlight hours a location should receive. Sunlight hours can vary from day to day due to seasonal changes and weather conditions. If an installation location for a photovoltaic solar system will only be in use seasonally, such as a vacation residence or a business with seasonal operation, this factor will also be considered.
To learn more about sizing your photovoltaic solar system, contact Smith Sustainable Design. Our team installs photovoltaic solar systems for home and business owners in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
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