Solar System Size (Grid Tie)?

Question

I have upgrade all and I mean all electronic (include'n A/C) to energy efficient. I have collected my electric bills for the past 10 months. I know my kwh per month and day soooo how in the world do I calculate the size of a solar system required?

Thanks

Answer 1

Here is a link to find out, as you have not given enough info to calculate anything.

Answer 2

The question depends so much on the profit or loss you will see on surplus generation. If for instance you can make a net 3 cents a kWh profit on open amounts of power, you go big, By contrast if you face a local pricing structure that does not allow you to get money, allows you to net meter (ONLY) so that any extra you produce is a net loss to you, you want to go small.

If you allow for 8 hours of maximum output per day, you are likely to come close to the output you will see.

You will see some output over more hours, but not maximum capacity.

California developers have used 8.3 hours for estimating purposes, but most are not exceeding that.

Answer 3

I agree with the first answer.

Answer 4

Check into your states laws about net metering.

If your state requires that utilities provide true, annual net metering, then you need to estimate your annual kWh requirement, then provide enough solar panels to produce that much electricity in a year.  To do this, you'll want to find the incident solar for your area (most often measured in full sun hours per day), remove the losses (due to snow cover, dirt, and conversion effieciency) and then you'll know how many kW of panels to buy.

You might think about contacting a local solar installer.  They could give you prices, will know about local / state / federal incentives and net metering laws, and can help you size a system.

Two good resources (for the United States) can be found below.  One gives a list of incentives by state.  The other certifies solar installers, and can help you find a qualified local installer.

I'm sure you'll get other good answers from folks who actually have systems.  And if you're planning on installing the system yourself, you may want to first ask these installers if they would be willing to sell you the equipment without installation.

Good luck.

Answer 5

gern

Let me start off by saying we (my family and I) live completely, 100% “off of the grid and are completely self sufficient”

Solar chimney, solar AC, solar heating, solar water heating (pool and home), solar stove, solar power, wind power, hydrogen powered back up generator, hydrogen back up water heater, hydrogen stove, 2 hydrogen powered trucks, 1 EV (electric vehicle) and satellite internet.

Here’s a DIY step by step process, taken from a guide I offer at www agua-luna com it’s complete but if you’d like the more specific process or the pics and images go to www agua-luna com. Its pretty simple but if you have any problems feel free to contact me directly I can walk you threw the process.

www agua-luna com

"STEP 1. SOLAR PANELS: or PV panels are the key to a hybrid system., converting the sun’s beams into electricity that we can use in the home. They come in many different sizes, shapes, power ranges and costs. We will focus on a 12v 50watt (4amp) panel, measuring appx 4 sq. ft. with a price range from $300-$500.

www.mrsolar.com ($340)

www.agua-luna.com ($299)"

"Retrieve a typical winter electric bill. You won’t need a summer bill, because by building a system that runs in winter, it’ll be proven for summer use where days are longer. Divide the total KWH (Kilowatt Hours) on the bill by 30 (giving you your Kilowatt Hour per day, or KWH/d consumption amount), now divide that by 10 (or the total average winter day hours in your area)(giving you KWH/h), now multiple that by 1000 (converting KWH/h to WH/h or watts)."

"Now that we know how many watts your systems requires, we need to know how many panels to use, along with an adequate- sized controller. For simplicity reasons, let’s use a typical 50w solar panel. We will divide your final “system requirement” results from above by 50 to tell us how many panels you'll need (hourly winter consumption watts / 50)."

"NOTE: Size (watts and feet) of panels is a personal choice and isn’t determined by any system requirements.

Mount panel/s flat (0 degree) facing south (if located in the north hemisphere). With a multimeter, measure the incoming amps (via pos cable to battery), slowly raise the top edge until the amps peak on your meter. Secure."

Hope this helped, feel free to contact me personally if you have any questions if you’d like assistance in making your first self sufficient steps, I’m willing to walk you step by step threw the process. I’ve written several how-to DIY guides available at  www agua-luna com on the subject. I also offer online and on-site workshops, seminars and internships to help others help the environment.

Dan Martin

Alterative Energy / Sustainable Consultant, Living 100% on Alternative & Author of How One Simple Yet Incredibly Powerful Resource Is Transforming The Lives of Regular People From All Over The World... Instantly Elevating Their Income & Lowering Their Debt, While Saving The Environment by Using FREE ENERGY... All With Just One Click of A Mouse...For more info Visit:  

www AGUA-LUNA com

Stop Global Warming, Receive a FREE Solar Panels Now!!!

Answer 6

I too am starting to look at a grid tie system. I'm not an expert, but the factors that I would look at would be your location, weather, shading where you would locate the panels, and the local laws or policies of your utility for grid tie systems. Also, there is no reason that you need to generate 100% of your energy from the sun for a grid tie system. In fact many recommendations are for your system to be slightly undersized as many grid-tie laws will not allow your electric bill to become a source of income should you generate more than you use. I've listed a couple of books below that are sources of information that can get you started and don't forget to search on the internet as well.

There is another long-shot alternative that might eventually become available and that is grid tie system rental. There are a couple of companies that are generating interest and have websites. None of them to my knowledge are actually delivering systems to customers (other than possible trial systems) just yet. I believe that the rental company will survey your home and recommend sizing.

Home Depot provides solar systems and will estimate the system size for you. (Don't know what markets they are doing this in though). Any reputable solar contractor will survey your home and recommend a system size for you as well.

Timothy D.

West Melbourne, FL

Answer 7

Depends, how many acres do you have for panels?