Determining the right solar project size for your home can be tricky–especially if you’re a first-time user.

Here are some factors you should consider when choosing the size of your residential solar project.

Usage 

The most crucial element in selecting the size of your solar system is how much energy you use. Aim to size your solar system to offset your energy use to optimize savings by eliminating the need to purchase electricity from the utility provider. 

Sun exposure and weather

This element is quite location-specific. Sun-drenched Tucson, Arizona, receives between 7.5 and 7.9 peak sunshine hours (PSH), a measurement of the average amount of sunlight (also known as solar insolation) a region receives. That is more than twice as much sunshine as Seattle, Washington, which experiences rain and only receives 3.3 to 3.9 PSH. 

Accordingly, the system in Seattle will need to be twice as large as the system in Tucson to produce the same amount of solar energy in both places, all else equal. 

Roof Type

Your roof’s azimuth and tilt measurements will define the direction and angle of your solar panels. Both elements, particularly orientation, may significantly impact solar energy production. 

An array of solar panels facing east or west will generate around 15% less energy than one facing south. You will need to increase the solar system size if you can only install it on an east or west-facing roof. 

System Failures

The DC output of your solar panels will not be at its full potential since system losses occur in all solar power systems. 

When DC electricity is sent to the solar inverter, wire losses are typical of around 2%. Another 3% of the electricity generated is used in conversion losses, which occur while the inverter converts the power from DC to AC electricity. This implies that with a typical grid-tied solar power system, only 95% of the energy produced by the solar panels will be usable in your home.

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