Find out how many solar panels are needed to avoid paying more electricity bills, using an off-grid solar energy system independent of the electricity grid.

Off-grid solar energy has gained prominence as an effective solution for those who want energy independence. With the possibility of generating electricity for free, many wonder about the calculation necessary to determine the number of solar panels sufficient to meet all the needs of a residence, without depending on the electricity grid and, consequently, eliminating the electricity bill.

The first step to calculating the number of solar panels involves understanding consumption monthly residence fee. It is essential to analyze the electricity bill to identify the monthly consumption over the last 12 months, focusing on the month with the highest usage. This approach is vital for off-grid systems, where batteries store the energy generated. For homes disconnected from the grid, the consumption of equipment is estimated individually.

The importance of solar irradiation

Another crucial piece of data is the location’s solar irradiation index, which varies depending on geography. Using tools such as the CRESESB website or other tools, you can obtain this information by entering the latitude and longitude of the installation area.

The calculation process for the quantity of solar panels

It is important to consider losses in the inverter and battery bank. For example, a monthly consumption of 200 kW/h requires adjustments for losses, resulting in a higher number after applying efficiency factors. Monthly consumption is then converted into daily consumption by dividing the adjusted monthly total by the number of days in the month.

Choosing solar panels

Finally, the total power required from the solar panels is determined by dividing the daily consumption by the hours of full sun and adjusting for the efficiency of the panels and cabling. With the total power calculated, the type of solar panel is chosen, ensuring that the sum of the power of all panels reaches the calculated need.

Through these calculations, it is possible to determine the exact number of solar panels needed for a residence to become energy self-sufficient. In the example mentioned, a monthly consumption of 200 kW/h would require approximately five solar panels of 560 Watt peak for an efficient off-grid system.

Installing an off-grid solar energy system represents a significant initial investment, but it translates into long-term savings and contributes to sustainability. Leave your opinion on this energy transition in the comments and considered viable installing an off-grid system in your home. Let's go together towards energy independence!