1. What is the Off-Grid Solar Panel Calculator?

The Off-Grid Solar Panel Calculator helps determine how many solar panels you need for an off-grid system based on your daily energy consumption, panel output, and available sunlight hours.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following equation:

Where:

• \( Load \) — Your daily energy consumption in kilowatt-hours
• \( Panel Output \) — Energy production capacity of each panel
• \( Sun Hours \) — Average peak sunlight hours per day at your location

Explanation: The equation calculates how many panels are needed to meet your daily energy requirements based on the available sunlight and panel efficiency.

3. Importance of Proper Sizing

Details: Correctly sizing your solar array is crucial for ensuring reliable power supply while avoiding unnecessary costs from over-sizing your system.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your daily energy consumption in kWh, the output rating of your solar panels, and the average peak sun hours for your location. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical panel output?
A: Standard residential panels typically produce 0.25-0.4 kWh per day per panel, but check your specific panel specifications.

Q2: How do I find my sun hours?
A: Use solar insolation maps or local weather data to find average peak sun hours for your area (typically 3-6 hours/day).

Q3: Should I add extra panels?
A: It's recommended to add 20-30% more panels to account for inefficiencies, cloudy days, and future expansion.

Q4: What about battery storage?
A: This calculator determines panel needs only. Battery capacity should be sized separately based on your autonomy requirements.

Q5: Does this account for seasonal variations?
A: No, this gives a basic estimate. For year-round reliability, size your system based on the worst month's sun hours.