I'm interested in installing solar panels in my backyard, but I'm a bit stuck on how to figure out how many I would need. I know the panels won't cover all my electricity usage, so I'll still be connected to the grid for backup. I'm wondering about the financial viability of going fully off-grid with more panels and battery storage. I found that in my area, solar panels should face south for maximum efficiency. I used the PVWatts Calculator and discovered that my average system output would be around 5,301 kWh per year, while my annual electricity consumption is about 25,000 kWh (including future increases). I read that the daily production is approximately 4.5 hours but I'm confused about how to calculate the days of insolation for Rochester, MN. I'm also curious if I'm on the right track in this planning process. Thanks for any help!
2 Answers
To get a better idea of how many solar panels you'll need, look at your peak consumption in the summer and winter months, not just the yearly average. If you thought about estimating around 1,800 kWh for peak months, that’s a solid strategy to ensure you're covering your needs even on the busiest days. Plus, keep track of your actual usage during peak months to adjust your estimates if needed. Remember, it’s smart to overestimate to avoid unexpected costs later!
'Days of insolation' generally refers to the sunny days throughout the year for your location, not those with no sun. To find out how many sunny days you can expect, you can check local climate data or resources like the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. This will help you get a clearer picture of how much energy your panels could realistically generate.
Thanks for clarifying! I’ll definitely look into the climate data for Rochester to get those insolation figures.
Sounds like a good plan! Just remember, overestimating is better than underestimating when it comes to solar energy.