With growing climate consciousness in the country, many new house owners are opting for green energy to power their homes. Solar energy has emerged to be the most convenient and affordable method of renewable energy amidst rising electricity costs. As such, property owners are choosing to switch partially or entirely to reduce their energy bills. One of the first requirements for setting up a solar system is calculating the kW of power required for your home. This is specific to every household based on the energy consumption and appliances used in the house. This will determine the required number of solar panels and hence the expenses.
Factors Influencing Solar Capacity:
Solar capacity is affected by a few key factors, including the size and location of the home, hours of sunlight received and energy consumption of the household. Here are some points to help you accurately determine the number of solar panels required for your house:
Energy Consumption
Household energy consumption can be gauged by considering all the appliances, lighting, HVAC systems or other electronic devices. For a detailed analysis, you can use the most recent electricity bill to find the total amount of kWh mentioned at the bottom, which can be used to calculate the annual energy usage. Yearly energy consumption provides a comprehensive idea of how many panels are required.
Solar Panel Efficiency
The efficiency of a solar panel is the percentage of sunlight that it can convert to electricity. Efficacy varies from panel to panel, where with more efficiency, panels produce more power.
Geographical Location
As different regions experience different climatic conditions, it is expected that sun exposure will also differ from place to place. The amount of sunlight received by a place is dependent on the current weather and time of year. For example, northern Indian states receive more sunlight than their southern counterparts due to the intense monsoon season for the latter. The amount of energy generated by a system depends on the length of exposure to solar energy.
Size of Solar System
After determining the total amount of energy consumed and the kW capacity of a solar panel. By dividing energy used by the energy generated by one panel, you can figure out the number of solar panels required to power your house (No. of panels= Total energy consumed/Electricity generated by a single panel).
Overall, a solar system powering an average Indian home can cost within Rs. 1-2 lakhs, with most of the expenses being spent on solar panels, inverter, battery and installation. As the investment is quite high, the Indian central and state governments offer an array of subsidies and incentives, including tax breaks, to make the transition to solar energy as smooth as possible for the common citizen.
As the world gears to meet energy goals set in climate summits, we are committed to helping Indians rise to the challenge with fervour and zeal. At KCP Solar, we offer world-grade solar systems with top-notch installation and maintenance services. Contact us to learn more about our rates and services today!