As a trusted solar installer, one of the most important aspects of our job is determining the right solar system size for each customer. It’s not just about slapping a few panels on a roof and calling it a day.
At Solora Solar, our goal is to ensure any new system we install is efficient, cost-effective and suited to your needs. For that reason, we take a strategic approach based on several key factors. Here’s a breakdown of how we calculate the perfect solar system size for your home or business.
Assessing Energy Usage
The first step in determining the right solar system size is reviewing your energy consumption. We analyze your electricity bills from the past 12 months to get an idea of how much energy you use on average. This helps us calculate the kilowatt-hours (kWh) required to power your home or business.
A typical U.S. household might use around 10,000 kWh per year. But your needs may vary based on the size of your home, the number of people in your household, your method of heating and cooling areas in your home, and specific appliances you use.
Roof Space and Orientation
Next, we evaluate your roof space and its orientation to the sun. A large roof with minimal shading can support more panels, but if your roof has limited space or shading from trees, buildings, or chimneys, we’ll need to adjust the system size.
Get Your Energy Independence
The orientation of your roof—whether it faces north, south, east, or west—also affects the efficiency of solar production. In Washington state, south-facing roofs receive the most sunlight, so we aim to maximize that exposure.
Sunlight and Climate Conditions
Your location plays a crucial role in determining solar system size. We analyze the amount of sunlight your area receives throughout the year, accounting for seasonal variations.
We take into account the long days of summer sun and shorter daylight hours in winter we all experience in Washington state. We also factor in whether you live in sun-friendly Eastern Washington or west of the Cascades, where there’s more cloud cover, when we design your new system.
Energy Goals and Future Usage
Finally, we tailor the system size based on your energy goals. Are you looking to offset 100% of your electricity usage, or just reduce your bill by a certain percentage? Additionally, we ask about future plans — if you’re considering purchasing an electric vehicle or adding an extension to your home, we might recommend a slightly larger system to accommodate those changes.
By carefully considering these factors, we ensure your solar system is perfectly sized to meet your energy needs while optimizing performance and maximizing savings. If you would like us to help you determine the perfect system size for your move to solar, contact us today!