If you are contemplating going solar, you must determine the size of the solar system required to power your property in Australia using solar energy. The amount of electricity a solar photovoltaic system can produce is called its size or capacity. However, it is crucial to clarify that the focus here is not on the quantity of solar panels but on the system's overall ability.

Although numerous online platforms provide solar panel system size calculators, multiple factors and considerations must be considered. From this page, you will thoroughly understand what size solar system you need with detailed steps and guidelines. In contrast to rooftop solar systems, the Jackery Solar Generator is a portable solar system that offers a greater capacity and a more affordable price point, enabling you to power most of your appliances off the grid. 

The optimal return on investment for solar systems is achieved when the solar output is matched to the daily energy needs of the residents. By aligning the energy output of solar panels with the power demands of a residential dwelling, one can reduce the amount of excess energy that must be exported to the power grid. Due to the reduced feed-in tariffs, selling electricity back to the grid is no longer economically viable.

When determining the appropriate scale of a solar system for a residential property, it is crucial to consider the following factors:

• Your Power Usages: More solar panels are required to offset the electricity expense in proportion to one's electricity consumption. Your electricity usage profile takes into account your daily electricity consumption. People are frequently at school or work during the day, so the mornings and evenings are when the average household consumes the most energy.

• Sunlight in Your Area: To eradicate electricity costs, dwellings in regions with less sunlight require more solar panels than those in sunnier states. Generally, the southeastern part of Australia receives the most miniature sun (occasionally exceeding 12 hours per day), whereas the northwestern region gets the most.

• Your Roof Space & Location: Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are a standard method to embrace renewable energy; however, purchasing the correct size for your roof and energy requirements is crucial. The rooftop's dimensions, orientation, and configuration will dictate the optimal system size for installation. The typical dimensions of solar panels are 1.7 metres by 1 metre. A 6kW solar photovoltaic system would require approximately 20 meetings. Physically, the panels must fit on the roof without obstructing any ventilation, antennas, or chimneys.

• Solar Panel Wattage: The amount of energy solar panels output is determined by their wattage, also known as their power rating. Most solar panels installed today have a power rating of approximately 300 watts per panel; fewer panels are required when installing panels with high wattage ratings.

An initial factor to consider when determining the size of your solar system is the manner and timing of your household's electricity consumption. Your daily consumption will be influenced by various factors, such as the number of occupants in your home, the appliances you own, and the frequency with which you operate them.

Determining the needed scale of a solar system is more straightforward than one might expect. After selecting the quantity of sunlight that strikes your roof and the energy you consume, you can approximate the number of solar panels that should be installed.

Utilise the number of prime sun hours in your region to calculate the kilowatt-hours of electricity that a solar panel can produce. PV solar energy systems are quantified in kilowatts (kW) or watts (W). There will be system designations such as 4kW, 5kW, 10kW, etc.

The watt or kilowatt is a measurement unit for the energy transfer rate. 1 kW is equivalent to one thousand watts. The wattage rating of solar panels indicates the utmost power output that the board can produce at any given moment. A unit of energy production or consumption over time is the watt-hour. Your electricity bill will be denominated in kilowatt-hours (kWh) as you are gradually charged for your electricity consumption.

kWh (kilowatt-hours) = (Watt x 1000)*Hours

Approximately four kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity are generated daily by one kW of solar panels. One kilowatt of solar panels generates about four kilowatt-hours of electricity per day. A 6kW solar system can produce approximately 24kWh on a favourable day, with ample sunlight and moderate temperatures.

Generally, the precise quantity of electricity produced per kilowatt-hour (kW) by solar panels is contingent upon various factors such as geographical location, seasonal sunlight availability, system quality, panel orientation, age, and more.

Multiply the number of peak sun hours in a given month by the wattage of a solar panel to determine the monthly electricity output of a solar panel in your region. To match the energy consumption listed on your electricity invoices, you must convert this from watt-hours to kilowatt-hours via division by 1,000.

Solar Power (kWh) = (Solar Panel Watts x Monthly Peak Sun Hours) / 1000

Consider the following example. Presently, the majority of solar panels are 300 watts in capacity. A 300-watt solar panel installed in a location that receives 120 peak sun hours per month would produce approximately 36 kWh of electricity.

The scale of the solar photovoltaic system that is currently required may be different in a few years. For instance, day-to-day energy consumption is likely to increase as you contemplate the installation of a pool or air conditioner, the purchase of an electric vehicle, the commencement of remote work, or the arrival of a new family member. It may be more straightforward and economical to plan and purchase a more extensive solar PV system from the start instead of attempting to add to it in the future.

A portable solar power system can be a stable power source for outdoor activities such as camping, RVing, and residential backup. With its increased capacity, the Jackery Solar Generator, which combines solar panels with a mobile power station to convert sunlight into electricity, is the most effective portable solar system. The Jackery Portable Power Station has a premium lithium battery, an MPPT charge controller, and a pure sine wave inverter to ensure a stable and consistent power supply.

(Data Source: NECTR)