How to choose the right size solar system for my business

Investing in a solar system for your business can be a smart decision to reduce energy costs and promote sustainability. However, choosing the right size solar system is crucial to ensure optimal performance and maximum benefits. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of how to choose the right size solar system for your business, considering factors such as energy consumption, available space, and budget.

Return on Investment

The most important factor when considering choosing the right size solar system is the Return on Investment. Far too often we have seen plants that are too small, or too big, and that don’t yield and optimal return. This can be a very costly mistake, and one you need to be cautious of.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Size Solar System for Your Business

When it comes to how to choose the right size solar system for your business, there are several key factors to keep in mind. First, evaluate your company’s energy consumption by analyzing your electricity bills. This will give you a clear idea of how much power your business requires on a daily basis, helping you determine the appropriate size of the solar system.

Next, consider the available space for installing solar panels. The size of your roof or the area designated for the solar array will influence the number and type of panels you can install. It’s essential to strike a balance between maximizing energy production and utilizing the available space efficiently.

Lastly, your budget plays a significant role in how to choose the right size solar system for your business. While larger systems may generate more energy, they also come with higher upfront costs. Assess your financial resources and explore financing options, such as loans or leases, to find a solution that aligns with your budget and long-term goals.

If you want to see a quick video explainer from one of our favorite YouTube channels, please check out DIY Solar Power with Will Prowse 

Calculating Your Business’s Energy Needs to Choose the Right Size Solar System

To determine how to choose the right size solar system for your business, you must accurately calculate your energy requirements. Start by gathering your electricity bills from the past year and calculate the average daily energy consumption in kilowatt-hours (kWh). This will give you a baseline understanding of your business’s energy needs.

Next, consider any future growth or changes in your business that may impact energy consumption. If you plan to expand your operations, increase production, or add new equipment, factor in the additional energy requirements. This will ensure that the solar system you choose can accommodate your business’s future needs.

Once you have a clear picture of your current and projected energy consumption, you can work with a professional solar installer to determine the optimal size of your solar system. They will take into account factors such as your location, climate, and the efficiency of the solar panels to design a system that meets your business’s specific energy needs.

Example Calculation

Lets say you have an electricity bill of 10,000KW/h, a typical small business Electricity Bill in South Africa for say a small office or retail space. How much Solar would be needed to offset that much power?

With all of our experience we can give you a couple rule’s of thumb, back of the napkin sizing, that will help greatly simplify choosing the right size Solar System for your business.

1. A typical solar system will produce power for between 4-5 hours a day
2. Assuming you operation is Monday to Friday, 8-5. We can calculate a daily consumption of 476KW/h per day (10,000KW/h / 21 Days)
3. If we take an average of 4,5 hours of effective solar production per day, we can see that we will need approx 100KW Solar system (476/4,5 = 105KW)
4. A 100KW solar system will require 182 Panels @ 550W (100,000w/550w)
5. Now a typical Solar Panel takes up around 2,4 square meters, installed and so we can calculate the approximate roof required as 436m2
6. Solar systems produce typically at 80% efficiency (from their Name Plate size) so that needs to be taken into account.

This very approximate sizing will help test the feasibility of the Solar Project, and is something we do 10 times a day, but with a lot more accuracy and detail to ensure we achieve a high quality design.

If you want you can cheat and use Omni’s calculator, we don’t use it, but it might be worth messing around with.

Choosing the right size solar system for your business is a critical decision that requires careful consideration of your energy consumption, available space, and budget. By following the guidelines on how to choose the right size solar system for your business outlined in this article, you can make an informed choice that maximizes the benefits of solar energy for your company. Remember to work with experienced professionals who can provide personalized recommendations based on your unique business needs. With the right-sized solar system in place, you can enjoy significant cost savings, reduce your carbon footprint, and contribute to a more sustainable future.