How Solar Benefit Your Home
Are you looking to make a positive impact on both your wallet and the environment? Switching to solar energy might just be the answer you have been searching for!
By using the power of the sun, solar energy can transform the way you power your home. Here are just a few ways solar energy can benefit you..
Make the switch to solar energy today and start enjoying these amazing benefits!
Solar Application Example
For solar power calculations, peak sunlight hours (PSH) are not the same as daylight hours. Instead, they represent the equivalent number of hours when sunlight intensity averages 1,000 W/m˛ (standard test conditions for solar panels).
Example Given:
Number of panels: 45
Power per panel: 460 W
Panel efficiency: 23%
Total area: 1000 ft˛ (assuming this is the available roof space)
Solar irradiance (peak sunlight hours): Typically 4–6 hours/day (varies by location; well use 5 hours for this calculation).
Check Panel Area vs. Roof Space
Area per panel: A typical 460 W panel (~23% efficiency) has an area of ~2.2 m˛ (23.7 ft˛).
Total panel area:
45×23.7ft˛=1,066.5ft˛
Multiply the total system power by peak sunlight hours:
Power=45×460W=20,700W(20.7kW)
Daily Output=20.7kW×5hours=103.5kWh/day
Adjusting for Real-World Losses (Not Efficiency)
To refine estimates, apply system losses (~10–25%) due to:
Inverter inefficiency (~5–10%)
Temperature losses (~10–20% on hot days)
Dirt/shading (~3–5%)
DC/AC wiring losses (~2–3%)
Revised Example (With 15% Losses):
103.5kWh/day×0.85=88kWh/day (Realistic Output)
Smart Energy Tips
Shift heavy loads (AC, washing) to daylight hours to maximize solar use.
Consider an EV charger – 10 kWh can add ~30–40 miles of driving.
Export surplus to the grid (if net metering is available).
🌞 Advanced Solar Calculator
Key Assumptions
Default Peak Sunlight Hours (PSH):
I previously used 5 hours/day as a general estimate.
This is typical for many locations (e.g., southern U.S., Mediterranean, parts of India).
How PSH Varies by Region:
Sunny areas (e.g., Arizona, Saudi Arabia): 6–7 PSH/day
Moderate climates (e.g., California, Southern Europe): 4–6 PSH/day
Cloudy/High-latitude regions (e.g., Germany, UK): 2.5–4 PSH/day
Smart Energy Tips
Shift heavy loads (AC, washing) to daylight hours to maximize solar use.
Consider an EV charger – 10 kWh can add ~30–40 miles of driving.
Export surplus to the grid (if net metering is available).
Revised Appliance Energy Use (88 kWh/Day)
Factors That Reduce Output from System losses and Seasonal variation, and assuming optimal sunlight & 15% losses. Daily Energy Output is 103.5 kWh, it deducts 15% losses so it is now revised 88 kWh/Day, and below list the appliances use at home basis 88 kWh/Day.
| Appliance |
Power (Watts) |
Usage Time |
Energy Used (kWh/Day) |
| Refrigerator (Energy Star) |
200 W |
24 hours |
4.8 |
| LED Lights (20 bulbs) |
10 W/bulb |
5 hours |
1 |
| Air Conditioner (3-ton) |
3,500 W |
3 hours |
10.5 |
| Ceiling Fans (4 fans) |
70 W/fan |
8 hours |
2.2 |
| Washing Machine |
500 W |
1 load |
0.75 |
| Microwave |
1,000 W |
15 min |
0.25 |
| TV (65" LED) |
100 W |
4 hours |
0.4 |
| Laptop/Phone Charging |
50 W/device |
5 devices, 4h |
1 |
| Electric Oven |
2,000 W |
30 min |
1 |
| Dishwasher |
1,200 W |
1 cycle |
1.2 |
| Water Heater (Heat Pump) |
500 W |
2 hours |
1 |
| Pool Pump (if used) |
750 W |
3 hours |
2.25 |
| EV Charging (Optional) |
7,200 W |
2 hours |
14.4 |
| Total Estimated Usage |
|
|
~40–60 kWh |
What Can You Power with 88 kWh/Day
1?? Standard Home (No EV or Pool) ? ~30–40 kWh/day
All essentials (fridge, lights, fans, TV, washing machine) + occasional AC (2–3h).
Leftover: ~48–58 kWh ? Store in batteries or export to the grid.
2?? High-Usage Home (AC + EV) ? ~60–75 kWh/day
3h AC + EV charging (2h = 14.4 kWh) + all other appliances.
Leftover: ~13–28 kWh ? Good for battery backup or partial grid independence.
3?? Off-Grid with Battery Storage
Store 20–30 kWh/day in batteries for nighttime use.
Run essentials (fridge, lights, router) overnight without grid power.