This article was originally published on Jan 10th, 2022. Updated April 14th, 2023.
If you’re considering investing in solar power, one of the most critical factors to consider is the size of the solar panel system you’ll need. This decision depends on several factors, including the amount of electricity you use, the number of solar panels you have, the efficiency of your panels, and your geographic location. In this blog post, we’ll explore the key factors that determine the size of a solar panel system and help you calculate the right size for your needs. While each and every household is different and we can’t offer up a one size fits all solution, what we can do, is go through the factors at play when determining what will work for you.
What determines how many solar panels you need, comes down to three key factors.
- Your household’s daily energy consumption and importantly, your estimated future consumption
- Length of sunlight hours in your area
- Your roof size
Your Household’s Daily Energy Consumption
Your average daily energy usage (total Kilowatt hours (kWh)) is important information in understanding the ideal amount of solar energy you require, which can then assist in determining the number of panels you will need.
To get into a little more nitty gritty detail, annual solar production follows a bell-shaped curve. May & June are typically the highest-yielding months with approximately 15% of the yearly irradiance occurring each month. When sizing a system Caldor will look at summer consumption first & work backward from there. If you have your monthly usage to hand, your provider will be able to give you strategic insight into what system will most benefit you.
Length of sunlight hours in your area
The amount of sunlight each day will also impact what your solar panels can generate. As that varies in Ireland, it will impact the number of panels you need. A good assessor will be able to recommend the best solar system solution for you.
How Big Is Your Roof?
This is really the key factor. It will have an absolute say in terms of how many panels can be fit, how much energy can be produced, and what the cost will be. As discussed in a previous article, it’s also important to get your roof assessed to ensure it can support the weight of the system.
What Is the Average Number of Solar Panels In An Irish Home?
From our experience, the number of people in your household will have an impact on the number of solar panels you need and whether you want solar panels to generate enough energy for all or some of your electricity needs.
A 6kW solar panel system is what we would recommend for a family with over 5 people while a 5kW system would be appropriate for a family of 4 people. One of the most common domestic solar panel systems we install would be a 4kW system which caters for a home of approximately 3-4 people.
That all said, each installation needs to be approached as unique. Every household has their own rhythm and your solar panel systems should reflect that as much as possible. If you have any queries about the way your home could run more efficiently please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
In conclusion, determining the size of a solar panel system is a crucial decision that requires careful consideration of several factors. By evaluating your energy usage, the number and efficiency of solar panels, and your geographic location, you can determine the optimal size for your solar panel system. With the right system size, you can enjoy the benefits of renewable energy while minimizing your carbon footprint and reducing your electricity bills. So, take the time to evaluate your needs and make an informed decision that meets your energy requirements and aligns with your environmental values.
Based on your reading of this article, we thought you might be interested in the following:
- 101: Solar Panels Product Overview
- Do Solar Panels Work in Winter
- Can You Power Your Whole House With Solar Panels?
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Caldor Solar is a specialist in both residential and commercial solar panels. Discover our green solutions to generate optimal returns.
