Category: Blog

Switching to solar energy is an eco-friendly and financially sound decision. However, determining the accurate installation capacity for your home PV system can be challenging. This guide will walk you through the steps needed to calculate the ideal capacity for your PV system, ensuring that you optimise investment.

Step 1: Determine Your Energy Consumption

Before you embark on your solar journey, it’s crucial to understand your average energy consumption. You can find this information on your utility bill or by conducting an energy audit. The goal is to estimate the amount of energy you want your PV system to produce, aiming to cover a significant portion, if not all, of your household electricity needs. Don’t forget to evaluate any potential future electricity demands, such as additional air conditioning or the need to charge electric vehicles.

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Average Monthly Energy Usage:  450 kWh Units

Provision for Future Electricity Demand increase:  +100 kWh Units

Total Required Energy per month:  550 kWh Units

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Step 2: Calculate the required system capacity

Sunlight availability varies by location and time of year. Research the number of sun hours your area receives to estimate how much solar energy your PV system can harness. You can find this data online or by consulting Hayleys Solar.

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Sun Hours in Your Area (per day): 3.8 hours

Estimated Daily Energy Generation per kWp: 3.8kWh Units

Required System Capacity:  550 kWh / 30 days /3.8kWh  = 4.82 kW Units

Recommended System Capacity:  5 kW Units

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Step 3: Calculate the Number of Panels

With the required system capacity determined, divide it by the capacity of each panel. For instance, if your calculated system capacity is 5kW and each panel has a capacity of 500W, you would need 10 panels. Make sure to consider the specifics of the panels you choose, which can affect the overall system configuration.

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Panel Capacity: 500W each

Number of Panels Needed:  5000W (5 kW) / 500W = 10 panels

Recommended Number of Panels:  10 panels

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Step 4: Assessing Your Roof Space

Measuring the available roof space is a crucial step in determining the potential capacity of your PV system. Begin by measuring the unshaded area on your roof where solar panels can be installed effectively. Unlike other regions, Sri Lanka, located close to the equator, enjoys efficient solar energy generation regardless of the panel direction. While the ideal panel orientation is typically south-facing, it’s important to consider the roof’s inclination, which can impact energy generation. In our country, the general rule of thumb for roof inclination is approximately 10 degrees, which ensures that most sunlight is captured.

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Size of a Single Panel Approx: 28 sq.ft

Installable Panel Quantity: 10 Panels

Required Roof Space: 28 * 10 = 280 sq.ft

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Selecting the right installation capacity for your home PV system is a crucial step toward maximising your solar energy benefits. By following the steps outlined above, you can accurately estimate the ideal capacity for your PV system, generating the energy required to power your daily activities. For high-quality solar panels and professional expertise, consider reaching out to Hayleys Solar, the renewable energy arm of Hayleys Fentons.

Batteries play a crucial role in solar power systems, allowing users to store excess electricity generated by solar panels for later use during power outages, peak demand periods, or at night. Your solar energy setup will be more efficient and cost-effective if you choose the right battery.

Let’s guide you through choosing the perfect battery for your energy storage needs.

Step 1: Determine Your Energy Storage Needs

First, assess your energy storage needs to select the appropriate solar power system battery; analyze your electricity consumption patterns, and identify your backup power needs. The selected battery should have an appropriate capacity that matches or exceeds these energy storage needs. Additionally, consider the battery’s Depth of Discharge (DoD) capability, as some batteries cannot be fully discharged up to 100%.

Step 2: Choose the Right Battery Type Based on Budget, Lifespan, and Safety

There are several battery types available for solar power systems, each with its own advantages and limitations. Consider your budget, expected lifespan, and safety requirements when making your choice:

1. Lead-Acid Batteries:

– Common and affordable but have a shorter lifespan (approximately 300 cycles) and require regular maintenance. Available varieties include VRLA, Tubular, Flooded, and Sealed.

– VRLA batteries have an average lifespan depending on battery quality, operating conditions, and DoD levels, hence proper management is key.

– Tubular batteries are suitable for deep-cycle applications, offering higher DoD (around 50-80% and higher) compared to regular lead-acid batteries.

2. Lithium-ion Batteries:

– More expensive but offer a longer lifespan and require less maintenance.

– Lithium-ion Phosphate (LiFePO₄) batteries have 6000-10,000 charging cycles, lasting over 16 years if discharged once daily.

3. Flow Batteries:

– An emerging technology with limited commercially available brands.

Step 3: Check Battery Features, Depth of Discharge, and Cycle Life

Evaluate the features of each battery type, paying attention to the Depth of Discharge (DoD) and cycle life. The DoD determines the usable capacity before recharging, while the cycle life indicates the number of charge/discharge cycles the battery can endure.

Step 4: Consider Environmental Conditions for Battery Storage

Ensure your battery is stored in optimal environmental conditions to maximize its lifespan and performance. Keep the battery in temperatures between 20°C to 25°C to prevent accelerated degradation. Extreme temperatures, high humidity, and direct sunlight exposure can harm battery health, so proper ventilation and moisture protection are essential.

Selecting the best-suited battery for your solar power system is crucial for optimal energy storage and cost-effectiveness. By carefully analyzing your energy storage needs, comparing battery types, and considering environmental factors, you can make an informed decision that ensures a reliable and sustainable solar energy solution for years to come.

Hayleys Solar, the renewable energy arm of Fentons Ltd predominantly focuses on Solar PV installations for the domestic, commercial, and industrial market segments as well as utility-scale projects to enable greater utilisation of sustainable energy resources in the country.  Hayleys Solar has successfully completed over 140MW of solar installations island wide making it the undisputed leader in Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) company in Sri Lanka.