Solar power is a clean, renewable source of energy that is increasingly being used to power homes and cabins.
If you have a cabin that you want to power with solar panels, you might be wondering how many panels you need.
The answer really depends on various factors, such as your energy needs, location, and the efficiency of the panels you choose.
In this article, we'll break down the steps you need to take to determine how many solar panels you'll need to power your cabin.
How Many Solar Panels Do You Need For A Cabin?
Step 1: Determine your energy needs
Before you can calculate how many solar panels you need, you'll need to figure out how much energy you consume on a daily basis.
To do this, you'll need to calculate the wattage of each appliance you plan to use in your cabin.
You can find this information on the appliance itself or in the owner's manual.
Simply multiply each appliances wattage by the amount of time in hours you plan on using it. Doing this will give you an energy consumption reading in watt hours.
For example, a TV rated at 100 watts used for 5 hours will consume 500 watt hours. 100W x 5 hours = 500 Wh.
Step 2: Determine your location and weather conditions
The amount of sunlight your cabin receives will vary depending on your location and the time of year.
You'll need to take into account the average number of hours of sunlight your cabin receives per day, as well as any weather conditions that might impact your solar panel's efficiency such as shading and overcast days.
You can use online tools to estimate your location's average daily solar radiation, which will give you an idea of how much energy you can expect to generate from your solar panels.
A great website we often use is Global Solar Atlas.
Step 3: Choose your solar panels
Solar panels come in different sizes and efficiencies, and you'll need to choose the right one for your needs.
Higher-efficiency panels will generate more energy per square foot, but they will also be more expensive.
You'll need to strike a balance between cost and efficiency based on your budget and energy needs.
We always recommend those looking for the best return on investment to purchase monocrystalline solar panels.
Step 4: Work out how many solar panels you need
Once you have determined your energy needs, location, and solar panel efficiency, you can use a solar panel calculator to determine how many panels you need.
These calculators take into account all of the factors we've discussed, including your location, energy consumption, and panel efficiency, to give you an estimate of how many panels you need.
The best solar calculator out there would be the PV Watts calculator by NREL.
For example let's assume your cabin is based on California. If you were to install a 4 kW ground mount solar system you could expect it to produce 6,487 kWh/Year.
See the table below for a monthly breakdown:
| Month | Solar Radiation
( kWh / m2 / day )
|
AC Energy
( kWh )
|
|---|---|---|
| January | 2.94 | 295 |
| February | 4.45 | 397 |
| March | 5.67 | 551 |
| April | 6.63 | 617 |
| May | 7.14 | 669 |
| June | 7.97 | 713 |
| July | 8.12 | 739 |
| August | 7.73 | 703 |
| September | 7.01 | 625 |
| October | 5.63 | 536 |
| November | 3.71 | 349 |
| December | 2.92 | 293 |
| Annual | 5.83 | 6,487 |
If you would like to figure out how many panels you'd need you can use the formula below:
What Impacts Solar Panel Energy Production?
Solar energy production is dependent on the amount of sunlight that a location receives.
Factors such as latitude and longitude, altitude, weather conditions, time of day, and season all impact the amount of sunlight that a location receives.
Longitude & Latitude
Latitude and longitude refer to a location's position on the globe. Places closer to the equator tend to receive more direct sunlight, as the angle of the sun's rays is more perpendicular to the earth's surface at the equator, leading to more intense sunlight.
As you begin to move farther away from the equator, the angle of the sun's rays becomes less perpendicular, leading to less intense sunlight.
Therefore, locations closer to the equator will generally produce more solar energy than those further away.
Altitude
Altitude is another factor that impacts solar energy production. At higher altitudes, the air is much less dense, and there is less atmospheric interference, allowing more sunlight to reach the earth's surface.
Therefore, locations at higher altitudes will generally produce more solar energy than those at lower altitudes.
Weather Conditions
Weather conditions such as rain, clouds, and snow can also impact solar energy production.
Clouds and rain can block sunlight, reducing the amount of solar energy that is produced.
Similarly, snow can cover solar panels, reducing their efficiency. Locations that experience frequent cloudy or rainy weather will generally produce less solar energy than those with clear skies.
Time of Day
The time of day and season also impact solar energy production. Solar panels generate more energy when the sun's rays are more perpendicular to their surface, which occurs during midday when the sun is highest in the sky.
During early morning and late afternoon, when the sun is at a lower angle, solar panels generate less energy.
Season
Similarly, during the winter months, the sun's angle is lower, leading to less intense sunlight and reduced solar energy production.
Final Thoughts
In summary, the number of solar panels you need to power your cabin will depend on your energy needs, location, weather conditions, and the efficiency of the panels you choose.
By considering these factors, you can determine how many panels you need to generate enough energy to power your cabin.
If you're unsure about any of these factors or if you need help choosing the right solar panels for your needs, it's always best to consult with a professional solar installer.
