Photovoltaic Systems


Step 1: Peak Sun Hours

Step 1: Peak Sun Hours


Peak Sun Hours refer to the number of hours in a day during which the sun’s intensity is strong enough to allow for efficient solar power generation.

Peak Sun Hours

Pick a Country

The average peak sun hours in different countries around the world varies from to another.

Graph
Graph Example

Step 2: Energy Consumption

Step 2: Energy Consumption


Peak Sun Hours refer to the number of hours in a day during which the sun’s intensity is strong enough to allow for efficient solar power generation.

Appliances Table Examples
Appliances Table

AppliancePower (Watts)Usage (hours/day)
Refrigerator100-4004-8
Air conditioner1000-50004-8
Water heater1500-50002-3
Washing machine350-5001-2 loads/week
Dishwasher1200-24007-14 loads/week
Microwave600-150015-30 min/day
Toaster800-150015-30 min/day
Coffee maker800-120015-30 min/day
Blender300-100015-30 min/day
Computer50-2502-4 hrs/day
Printer50-10001-2 hrs/day
Lighting (LED)5-204-8 hrs/day
Lighting (incandescent)40-1004-8 hrs/day
Residential Solar Panel System

Calculate The Power Consumption









Step 3: PV Panel Selection

Step 3: PV Panel Selection


PV panel selection criteria involve considerations such as power output, efficiency, size, durability, manufacturer reputation, cost, and compatibility with the rest of the solar energy system. These factors should be carefully evaluated to ensure the best fit for the specific needs and budget of the homeowner or business owner.

Polycrystalline Panels vs Monocrystalline Panels
Solar Panel Criteria

Solar Panel Criteria


Step 4: PV Panel Losses

Step 4: PV Panel Losses


There are various types of losses that can occur in a solar panel system. These losses include conversion losses, thermal losses, wiring losses, shading losses, dirt and debris losses, and module mismatch losses. Each of these losses can have a negative impact on the efficiency and output of the solar panel system.

Type of Losses
Solar Panel Losses Calculator

Select the losses







Select the value for each loss


Step 5: Energy Replacement

Step 5: Energy Replacement %


When considering replacing the current energy resource with solar panel energy, several factors should be taken into account. These include the energy consumption of the building or system, the solar resource available at the location, the energy efficiency of the equipment and building design, the economic feasibility of solar energy, and the environmental goals of the project or organization. By evaluating these factors, it is possible to determine the appropriate percentage of solar energy replacement and achieve an optimal balance of energy production, cost, and environmental impact.

Solar Energy Options

Select a Solar Energy % Replacement




Step 6: The Number of Panels

Step 6: The Number of Panels


Calculate the number of photovoltaic (PV) panels required to meet the energy consumption needed based on the calculated parameters previously

PV Calculator

Number of Panels Needed
















Step

Additional References

Resources

Journals

Books



Well Done!



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