How to work out the number of solar panels your house needs
Determining how many solar panels you might need to be able to produce your own energy is an inexact science, but there’s a simple formula that can help
Deciding to go solar is not just a green initiative but also a financial one, with the potential to reduce electricity bills and environmental impact. However, before diving into solar panel installation, it’s crucial to determine how many panels your home requires.
Here’s a simplified guide to help you through the process, courtesy of Ecosolarspain.
First off, you have to gather the necessary data. Start with your power needs by calculating your average monthly electricity usage from your utility bill, then divide this figure by the average number of days in a month to determine your daily usage.
Also important is sun exposure – the average daily sunlight hours your location receives. This information helps estimate the amount of energy your panels need to generate daily.
The third thing to consider is panel wattage, determining the energy output of the solar panels you plan to install. Most panels produce between 0.35 to 0.45 kWh of electricity per hour.
Then, armed with this information, you need to fill in the following formula: divide your daily kWh needed by the per-panel kWh output. Round up the result to ensure you have sufficient panels. This rough estimate serves as a starting point for further calculations.
Of course, there are other factors to consider, including production ratio and the physical space you have available on your property.
A professional installer considers factors like shade, panel orientation and geographical features to calculate a more accurate Production Ratio (PR), with a lower PR meaning you may require additional panels to meet energy production goals. In terms of physical space, you have to keep in mind the average size of solar panels and available installation space. Standard panels occupy approximately 17.9 square feet each, so ensure your chosen location can accommodate the required number of panels.
While this simplified calculation provides a rough estimate, consulting a professional installer for a comprehensive assessment is advisable. Contact Ecosolarspain using the contact form below to get a free assessment of your specific energy needs so you can make informed decisions about transitioning to solar energy for your home:
Address
El Bull 8, Partida del Belich, Monovar (03640) AlicanteTel: 966 318 044
Mobile: 677 787 384
Mobile: 677 787 384
Ecosolarspain is your first stop for clean energy and solar power installations in Spain
Ecosolarspain is an independent solar energy installation company based in Monóvar, Alicante with over 15 years professional experience on the Costa Blanca and further afield.
The company provides alternative solar energy solutions to power your home or business and its large selection of 
solar products combined with professional solar installation services make for the complete solar package.
solar products combined with professional solar installation services make for the complete solar package.Spanish registered and certified, Ecosolarspain is totally dedicated to renewable energy and specialises in the market's leading Solar Panels, Batteries, Inverter Chargers, residential and commercial Off-Grid, and On-Grid solar energy systems.
Ecosolarspain has installed 43,000 solar panels since it was founded in 2007, at almost 2,700 homes and commercial properties, providing 90,000 kilowatts of power.
Installations cover all types of thermal solar hot water systems, ideal for domestic hot water, swimming pools, or split systems that will do both, and full central heating systems.
And the company prides itself on providing guidance and support to ensure clients reap the maximum
benefits that solar energy has to offer. Ecosolarspain installs to a standard and not a price, using the best available products on the market, which gives the firm and edge, and, in addition, guarantees a lifetime solar power single point of contact and accountability.
benefits that solar energy has to offer. Ecosolarspain installs to a standard and not a price, using the best available products on the market, which gives the firm and edge, and, in addition, guarantees a lifetime solar power single point of contact and accountability.The firm's professionalism, excellent after sales service, free delivery on purchases of 500 euros or more and price promise have established Ecosolarspain as a leading provider of solar energy installations on the Costa Blanca and neighbouring regions.
