📐 Sizing Your Solar: Calculating Your Home's Energy Needs (in kW)

The right system size is crucial for offsetting your electricity bill—too small and you still pay, too large and you overspend.

1. Calculate Your Annual Energy Consumption (kWh)

The first step is understanding how much energy you actually use over a year.

• ✅ **Gather Bills:** Look at your last 12 months of utility bills to find your total kilowatt-hours (kWh) usage.
• ✅ **Find Daily Average:** Divide your total annual kWh by 365 to get your average daily kWh usage. (E.g., 10,000 kWh / 365 days = 27.4 kWh/day)

2. Determine Your Peak Sun Hours

This factor accounts for how much effective sunlight your location receives.

• **Peak Sun:** Varies by geographical location (state/city) and is the equivalent hours of full sun a day.
• **NREL Data:** Use resources like the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to find your specific peak sun hours (usually 4-5 hours).

Conclusion: The Sizing Formula

**System Size (kW) = (Daily kWh Usage / Peak Sun Hours) / System Efficiency Factor.** A typical 5kW-10kW system covers the needs of most American homes. Always consult a professional for a precise site assessment. 💡