How do I Size Solar Panels by Kilowatts?

Solar panels are a good source of secondary power in many areas.

Photovoltaic solar panels produce electricity when they are exposed to strong sunlight. They are a popular choice of alternative energy source for homeowners, as they can be installed on the roofs of most homes and require little maintenance once they are set up. In areas with strong, reliable sunlight, they can provide a significant source of supplementary electricity. The amount of electricity they can produce depends on the total area of the solar panels.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure

Instructions

1. Measure the edges of the available area for installing solar panels using a long tape measure.

2. Calculate the square footage by multiplying the length of the area by the width.

3. Multiply the area by 8 to find the minimum probable wattage for the area. A 1,000 square foot area will provide an average minimum of 8,000 watts.

4. Multiply the area by 10 to find the maximum probable wattage for the area. A 1,000 square foot area will provide an average maximum of 10,000 watts.

5. Multiply the resulting range by 1,000 to find the kilowatt potential of the area. Using the example above, the range would be 8 to 10 kilowatts for the available area.

Tips & Warnings

• An output of 8 to 10 watts per square foot is a basic rule of thumb, and may vary depending on the strength of the sunlight in your area. Sunlight is stronger in the south than in the north, and is stronger in high altitudes.

• One kilowatt can be translated to 100-125 square feet of solar panel area in most areas.

References

• Solar Estimate: How to Calculate Solar and Wind Energy Production