How many solar panels are required for meeting my electricity demand?

How much power does a Solar Panel Produce? How many solar panels are required for my electricity demand? What are the factors that affect the efficiency of solar panels? These are some of the frequently asked questions that every solar enthusiast asks. It’s quite obvious too as it factors into the overall cost. Also, most of the solar energy companies quote amount while stating the power production efficiency of the system.

To better answer the question of how much solar power is produced per square foot, let’s start with understanding the basic structure of solar panels, their functioning, and factors responsible for power production.

A crystalline silicon solar panel, commonly called a PV (photovoltaic) module, is a series of interconnected silicon cells that are joined together to form a circuit. Presently, the standard solar panel consists of a 60-cell panel or 72 cell panels. Smaller panels are also available for an off-grid utility or where space constraints are there. Going in more detail, at the cell structure level, solar panels can be a mono-crystalline, polycrystalline or thin film. Not going deep at the structure level, just for an overview take a solar panel as a collection of electricity-producing units that generate electricity from sunlight. Green 4 Life always recommends for well-known brands that have developed new techniques for enhancing the power efficiency to its customers.

Now, coming back to our main discussion, anyone might think that calculating per square foot power generation is just a simple mathematical problem. The solar panel rated for producing ‘A’ watts (any arbitrary amount) having dimensions ‘X’ feet (length) and ‘Y’ feet (width), can produce A/(X*Y) watts per square feet and hence, by unitary method, you can calculate the size of solar panels required. But, that’s not the actual scenario. The real power production efficiency of any photovoltaic (PV) solar system depends on real-time conditions including temperature handling capacity, operation temperature, spectrum, angle and intensity of sunlight.

1.Temperature:

It’s a common perception to relate solar power with heat as more heat directly related to more sunlight. We are talking about solar power so more sunlight will produce more power. But, that’s not the reality. If there is much heat than solar panels may not work effectively. In general, case, if the temperature rises above 77 degrees Fahrenheit or 25 degrees Celsius, there is a backdrop in power production than the rated one due to energy loss. Green 4 Life energy always recommends panels with low-temperature coefficient to minimize the loss due to high temperature. Moreover, our selected brands have a good performance record.

2.Spectrum:

Most people have doubts regarding the performance of the solar power systems on a cloudy day or shady sky. Contrary to what some people think, a solar panel does work satisfactorily on cloudy days, in rainy and winter seasons too as there is a wide spectrum of light. Here, we are not taking of the visible spectrum, sunlight consists of infrared and ultraviolet lights too. Clouds can only block a large portion of visible sunlight but not the entire spectrum. Nowadays, innovation in technology has made it possible to harness infrared and ultraviolet light too. So, as a consumer, don’t overthink of the cloudy days.

3.Angle:

Power production by any solar power system depends on its sunlight grasping the power of its solar panels. So, Solar panels are installed in such a way that they can deliver the maximum output. As every site have a specific orientation to the sun which makes every solar installation a unique one. Normally, solar panels are installed facing south to grasp the most direct sunlight. Here, angle plays an important role. Also, the sun’s rays always strike the solar panel at a different angle. To simplify the problem, an anti-reflective glass frame is provided to the solar panel which created a bouncing effect. It means once entered sun rays will bounce back into the solar cell to harness maximum possible power. The anti-reflective glass degrades with time due to exposure to weather. Solar Panels of Green 4 Life energy are known for low degradation rate and are extensively tested for better performance even in harsh exposure; also an assurance of a warranty is provided.

4.The intensity of Sunlight:

Here, the intensity of sunlight means the amount of light. Solar power system produces peak energy at noon, but it also depends on the location. If there are any physical obstruction like trees, dust, dry leaves or any other that can obscure light, less energy will be produced. Moreover, obstruction also damages a solar panel. Green 4 Life Energy prefers to first send a technician to the site to get details about the location, obstructions, required angle and other important things to provide the best solution. Moreover, our chosen brands are extensively tested, globally known and offer a warranty of minimum of 10 years. It’s our experience and expertise that we offer with our products and services.

So now again the question is, how many square feet of your roof will your PV solar power system cover? We have discussed various variables on which it will depend. Saying the exact amount is tough, still, as a rough estimation, a system rated to produce 2 kilowatts would roughly cover an area of 150 square feet while 3 kilowatt needs an area of 250 square feet. Green 4 Life Energy has sophisticated software to calculate exact power needs. After critically evaluating historic weather records, site location, and other parameters, we can tell you the exact number of panels you will need.

Try our solar calculator to check your roof’s potential.

Don’t worry if you are having limited open or roof space. We have solutions for that also. When you choose to install solar panels, keep in mind that you should opt for a solution that can generate maximum out of the available space. More amount of energy will make it easier to reach breakdown in minimum possible time. Also if you can generate more than your requirement, you can sell it electricity board or to other people too.

Stay tuned for regular updates on solar technology. Your one step toward sustainability can help a lot in saving our planet. Feel free to call us at +1800 1205 55830 (toll-free). Book an appointment now for evaluating the potential of your rooftop.