Step 1: Determine Your Energy Usage
The most accurate way to determine your energy usage is to check your electricity bill for your average daily consumption in kilowatt-hours (kWh). If you don't have this, you can use our calculator's estimation feature by selecting your housing type and number of residents.
Step 2: Check Your Location's Sun Hours
Peak sun hours are crucial for calculating solar output. These vary significantly by location and time of year. Our calculator provides estimates for various locations, but for the most accurate calculation, you can find precise data for your area from solar resource maps or local installers and enter it manually.
Step 3: Choose Your Panel Quality
Our calculator simplifies panel selection for you. Choose between 'Standard' for a common, budget-friendly setup, or 'Premium' for higher efficiency panels that generate more power in less space. If you have specific panels in mind, you can select 'Custom' to enter the exact wattage and system efficiency.
Step 4: Calculate System Requirements
The calculator will determine:
- Required system size in kilowatts
- Number of solar panels needed
- Total roof space required