Attempting to calculate which solar panel you need for a solar power system can be an intimidating process, starting with the amount of power you'll receive from each panel. No homeowner needs to invest time and money in a solar array and not get the electrical power they thought they were going to accept.
What sizes do solar panels appear in?
A typical silicon photovoltaic panel used in rooftop arrays is approximately 5.4 feet by 3.25 feet, or 95 inches tall by 39 inches wide. There may be a slight variation in size depending on the producer, but the differences are negligible. Custom panels and those built for larger, commercial installations typically produce panels that are about 6 feet in dimension.
Most regular residential solar panels contain 60 square solar photovoltaic (PV) cells, each of which is a standard 6 square inches (156 square millimeters). No matter how vast your array is, all the solar cells will be linked to each other by wires, which carry the electricity from the cells to a junction box and then on to an inverter. The higher the number of cells, and there for the more panels, working in tandem, the more energy they produce.
How many solar panels do I need for a 2,000 square foot home?
The quantity of solar panels required to cover this amount of electricity use varies by the state and city because solar irradiance varies with geography. Our solar calculator shows how many solar panels you need to power the average home in each state of U.S.
A house that measurement would require between 14 and 18 panels to provide about 80 percent of your electrical needs. Of course, an estimate on the number of panels you'd need for your own home depends on a different, entirely different formula:
The number of kilowatt-hours (kWh) used every month.
The quantity of electrical power you want to offset with solar power.
The state you dwell in determines the hours of sunshine you receive.
There remain two solar panel calculators available that will make the process of determining the number of panels you need much more doable. Several solar consumers find it helpful to start out with some necessary information before allowing the calculators do all the work.
Is A 300-watt Solar Panel Doing The Work?
The price of power produced by a solar panel depends on the size of the panel, the amount of sunlight the panel gets, and the efficiency of the solar cells inside the panel. For instance, if a 300-watt (0.3kW) solar panel in full sunshine actively generates power for one hour, it will have generated 300 watt-hours (0.3kWh) of electricity. That equivalent 300-watt panel produces 240 volts, which equals 1.25 Amps.
Regrettably, solar panels don't produce a steady stream of electricity all day. They generate less power when the sun is low in the sky (mornings and evenings) or when clouds are moving across the rooftop. Wattages are distributed according to each panel's peak capacity for generating energy - usually during afternoon hours of direct sunlight under perfect weather conditions. This capability level is also indicated to as watts peak (Wp).
What determinants influence a solar panel's output?
Notating of these factors will help you to make smart decisions when choosing a panel. The kind of panel you choose will affect efficiency. Monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film solar panels all provide various levels of efficiency.
The shade of any variety, from cloudy days to overhanging tree branches, can wreak havoc with the production of solar panels.
The high temperatures frequently found on rooftops can adversely affect the output of a solar panel. The best way to combat that is to choose photovoltaic panels designed for your climate and connect a mounting system that sits several inches above the roof.
Most residential solar panels on the market feature output ratings extending up to 400 watts, which makes a 300-watt solar panel close to the top range, power wise. If 300-watts is the solar panel you have your eye on, do some in-depth investigation, talk to the experts, and appreciate your new solar power system.
Now you have established if this size panel is right for you, and we can help. HahaSmart can offer you the best deal on any size system. Contact us now!
HahaSmart Blog - More Solar Tips and Guide
HahaSmart News - Stay Informed
Your Solar Incentives - See Credits and Incentives in Your Area
Check Your Home's Solar Price - See How Much You Save
Register Now - Unlock The Lowest Solar Prices in Your Area
Input your address to see if it is solar friendly and how much you can save with solar.
Great. Your address is perfect for solar. Solar incentive is still available. Select monthly utility cost and calculate the size of solar system you will need now.
kw System size | years Payback period | Lifetime savings |
No money down, 100% finance is available.
|
Now you are informed, let's find the lowest priced solar panels? Sign up now! |
Comments