This info can be found on your power bill, or by multiplying each power device’s Watts x Hours of use per day, then dividing by 1000 to get kWhr. The sum of all the devices kWhr/day is your useage.
(ex. 800W device x 2hr/day /1000 = 1.6kWhr/day + 900W device x 6hr/day /1000 = 5.4kWhr/day = 7kWhr/day)
Take your usage and divide by 5 sun hrs /day. This the annual average in the mid latitude united states. Latitude: 43.6
(ex 7kWhr/day / 5hr/day = 1.4kW)
The number you get is the solar panel array size that is required to meet you demand.
Since the calculation is base on an average, this array size will work when grid tied. However, if you are off grid you will require batteries and twice as many panels. (ex 1.4kW x 2 = 2.8kW)
Hope that helps!
For more information:
http://www.aurorapower.net/alternative-energy/solar-electric.aspx
References :
Mechanical Engineer
http://www.aurorapower.net/
I actually covered this subject in depth to allow people to grasp the concept of powering a building (Off-Grid)
Hope you enjoy the information.
References :
http://www.homebrewpower.co.uk/Solar-Panels-For-My-Shed-Summerhouse-Log-Cabin.html
http://www.homebrewpower.co.uk/2009/07/solar-panels-for-shed-summerhouse-how.html
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