How to work out what size solar solution I need for my business or home.

To determine the size of the solar installation you need to cover your current energy usage and future increases due to inflation, you need to consider several factors.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you calculate the right solar system size for your home or business:

Step 1: Assess Your Current Energy Usage

The first step is to determine how much energy you currently consume. You can do this by reviewing your monthly electricity bills, which typically show:

• Kilowatt-hours (kWh) used per month or year.
• The cost of electricity per kWh.

You can also use a smart meter or energy monitor to track your usage more precisely if needed.

Example:

• If your monthly electricity bill shows that you use 800 kWh per month, this is your baseline energy usage.

Step 2: Calculate the Solar Energy You Need

To cover your energy needs, you’ll need to estimate how much solar energy you need to produce. A typical residential solar system is designed to meet 80-100% of your energy consumption.

• If you consume 800 kWh per month, you may want a system that produces the same amount of energy.

To calculate the system size:

1. Find the daily energy consumption: Divide your monthly usage by 30 (number of days in a month).
   • 800 kWh ÷ 30 = 26.67 kWh per day.
2. Estimate solar panel production: Consider how much sun your area receives. In South Africa, an average panel produces around 4-5 kWh per day depending on the location.
3. Calculate the number of panels required: Divide your daily energy requirement by the solar panel output.
   • 26.67 kWh ÷ 4 kWh (solar panel output) = 6.67 panels (round up to 7 panels).

This would give you an idea of how many panels you need to cover your current usage.

Step 3: Account for Inflation and Future Energy Cost Increases

Electricity costs tend to rise over time due to inflation, so you’ll want to ensure that your system can cover not only your current needs but also future increases in energy prices.

• If electricity prices increase by 5% per year, your energy bill could rise significantly in the next few years. For instance, if you’re currently paying R1,500 per month, in 5 years, your bill could be close to R2,000 per month.

To ensure your solar system covers these future costs, you might consider oversizing your system by 10-15% to future-proof against rising electricity costs.

• Future usage with inflation (after 5 years): 15% increase over 800 kWh = 920 kWh per month.

Recalculate your solar system requirements to meet the new demand:

• 920 kWh ÷ 30 = 30.67 kWh per day.
• 30.67 kWh ÷ 4 kWh per panel = 7.67 panels (round up to 8 panels).

This ensures that your system can meet your future energy needs even if costs rise.

Step 4: Choose the Right Solar System Size

Once you’ve calculated your current and future energy needs, the next step is selecting the appropriate solar system size.

• For a home or business that consumes 920 kWh per month, a 5-6 kW system would be ideal.
• Larger systems (7 kW or more) would be needed for properties with higher energy demands or those wanting to offset future inflation.

Step 5: Consider Battery Storage (Optional)

If you want to store excess solar energy for use during the night or cloudy days, you may need a battery storage system. The size of the battery will depend on how much energy you want to store and for how long.

• A typical home might need a 5-10 kWh battery for basic backup power.
• A business with larger energy needs might require 10-20 kWh of storage.

Step 6: Get a Custom Quote

After you have an idea of the system size you need, it’s time to get a professional solar installation quotation. A consultant can help fine-tune your system size and provide a tailored quote that factors in your energy usage, available space, and budget.

Why Contact Us for a Quotation?

At Cape Decking, Homes & Solar, we’re one of the leading solar installation partners in South Africa. This website business becan in While we are a large and experienced company, this does not mean our quotations are expensive. We offer competitive pricing that suits both residential and commercial budgets. Our tailored solutions ensure you get the best value for your money without compromising on quality.

Contact us today to book an appointment for a free consultation and accurate quotation. We’ll guide you through the entire process—from calculating your energy needs to the final installation—ensuring you make the right choice for both your home and business.