While solar panels are an ideal source of renewable energy, they often produce less energy than most power sources. And among the most popular are 350W solar panels. They are compact and portable. But what can they power? Let’s find out.
How Much Power Does a 350W Solar Panel Produce?
A 350W can produce at least 2.45kWh on an average day with optimal conditions. This is enough to power small to medium appliances such as a simple lighting system, laptops, and charging smartphones and tablets.
However, the actual output varies due to a wide array of factors such as temperature, geographical location, and make of the solar panel.
Type of Panel
The type of panel affects how much power a 350W solar panel will produce. As you know, there are three types of panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film panels. Monocrystalline is the most effective of the three since each PV cell is made of a single silicon crystal.
Polycrystalline is more efficient than thin-film options. The PV cells are made of multiple silicon crystals, reducing the output capacity. Thin-film panels are somewhat similar to polycrystalline. However, they are made of layers of photovoltaic material.
Efficiency
Another aspect that can affect the output of your 350W solar panel is its efficiency. Most solar panels have an efficiency ranging from 10% to over 20%. For example, BLUETTI panels have an efficiency of 23.4% like the BLUETTI PV350 Solar Panel.
Simply put, efficiency is the amount of sunlight that a solar panel converts into electric energy. Devoid of dust and high temperatures, a solar panel should have an efficiency of at least 10%. So, to ensure optimal efficiency, consider cleaning your panels regularly.
Position of The Solar Panels
To ensure maximum power production, position your solar panels to face the sun for extended periods. And since the sun’s position is always shifting, we recommend positioning the panels at angles that will capture sunlight throughout the day.
Likewise, consider the solar panel’s orientation. Since you are in America (northern hemisphere), your solar panels should face south.
How Many Amps Is a 350W Solar Panel?
The amps that a 350W solar panel produces depend on the voltage at which it operates. In general, solar panels have voltage ranging between 12 and 48V. To calculate amps, you use the following equation:
Amps (A) = Watts (W) / Volts (V)
So, for a 12V solar panel, amps will be:
350W / 12V = 29.17A
If it has 48V, the amps will be:
350W / 48V = 7.29A
As you can see, amps will vary depending on the voltage rating. That said, most residential solar panels have a 12V so you can expect 29.17A.
What Can a 350W Solar Panel Run?
To determine what a 350W solar panel can run, we need to know the peak sun hours of a specific location and the size of the solar system. So, from the explanation, we get the following equation:
Power produced (Wh) = peak sun hours (h) x solar panel size (W)
So, if your 350W solar panel receives 6 hours of sunlight, it will produce at least 2.1 kilowatt-hours per day.
6 x 350W = 2.1kilowatt-hours
So, this solar panel will produce 800 kilowatt-hours each year. (2100 x 365)
A 350W solar panel is therefore an ideal option for running small devices such as laptops, TVs, juicers, and coffee makers. This panel can be used for camping and other outdoor activities. In fact, most 350W solar panels are portable and foldable such as the BLUETTI PV350 Solar Panel.
This model has a high conversion rate of 23.4%, which is higher than its competitors. With it, you can rest assured it will utilize most of the peak sun hours in your region. It is also easy to set up thanks to the integrated kickstand.
The robust design ensures it can withstand gusting winds. Like other premium BLUETTI products, it is durable, lasts for many years. And since it is splash-proof, you can use it in rainy conditions.
The foldable and portable design makes it easy to transport it. It also means it can fit in tight spaces in your car’s trunk. 350W panels are also ideal for RV vacations as they are easy to install and can power most RV appliances (electric stoves, bulbs, mini-fridges).
To determine what a 350-watt solar panel can power you’ll need to compare its daily output with the wattage requirements of your appliances.
Your 350W solar panel can therefore power appliances with less than 2.1kWh power needs. This means it cannot power a large refrigerator or washing machine but can run a coffee maker or juicer.
How Many 350W Solar Panels Do I Need for Home?
Now, the exact number of 350W solar panels you need depends on your energy needs. Let’s assume your solar panel produces 2.1 kilowatts-hour daily under ideal conditions. And since peak sun hours generally fall under 4 hours, we can expect the output to be less (1.4 kilowatts-hour).
As you’d expect, power generation will peak during noon hours and gradually reduce as the night falls. It is for this reason that you need to install solar batteries to take advantage of the increased power production. Otherwise, you’ll be wasting much of the solar energy.
You can get premium backup systems from reputable companies such as BLUETTI. Like the BLUETTI AC300 + B300 | Home Battery Backup is an ideal option as it has a 3,072Wh capacity that can be expanded to 12,288Wh. And since it has a 6,000W surge power rating, you can rest assured it will power most of your crucial appliances.
One feature that makes it stand out is the fast charging capability. In fact, it can charge fully within a few hours.
Installing such a home battery backup will not only help you utilize much of the peak sun hours, but also keep your devices running during a power outage.
So, how many solar panels for your home? Well, according to recent data most American households use up to 11,000 kilowatts-hour. If you divide this annual energy consumption by the panel wattage multiplied by the peak sun hours, you’ll need at least nine 350W solar panels to power your home.
The number however reduces as the size of the home reduces. For example, if you are into RV living, you’ll need fewer solar panels.
The type and number of appliances also affect the number of solar panels to install. If you have power-hungry appliances such as an air conditioner, you may need more panels. Generally, a central air conditioner uses about 3.5kWh hourly, meaning a single panel can run it for at least eight hours.
Overall, you need to list all appliances in your home to determine how many 350W solar panels will be installed. Keep in mind the starting and running wattage of your appliances.
How Do I Calculate What Size Solar Panel I Need?
While there are many online calculators that can help you estimate the size of the solar panel you need, you can follow these steps for a more accurate estimation:
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Determine Your Monthly Energy Consumption
You can get this information from your monthly electricity bills. If possible, add up your usage for the last 12 months and divide the total by 12. This will give your average monthly power consumption rate.
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Determine Your Daily Power Usage
Now, take the monthly average and divide it by 30. Since an average American household consumes 900kWh, you’ll use roughly 30kWh per day.
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Consider Peak Sun Hours
As mentioned, most areas in the United States receive at least four peak sun hours. So, to calculate the size of the solar panel array, divide your daily power usage by the peak sun hours.
30kWh / 4 = 7.5 (8kW solar array)
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Keep In Mind Degradation
Let’s face it, like other electronic devices, solar panels have a degradation rate and inefficiencies. Most solar panels have a 0.8% degradation rate. So your 350W solar panel will be producing at least 280W at the end of its lifecycle.
Also consider inefficiencies such as weather patterns and obstructions. As such, the panel will produce less power than its wattage rating. We therefore recommend buying a solar panel producing more power than needed. Ideally, you should aim for 20% more rating.
With these considerations, you can easily buy the right solar size that can meet your energy needs.
Final Thoughts
A 350W solar panel is an ideal option for small to medium-sized homes. It can run small appliances such as juicers, laptops, and coffee makers. The power produced by a 350W solar panel depends on several factors such as the type of panels and geographical location. The panel’s brand also plays a key role. And if you want high-efficient solar panels, consider buying from BLUETTI.
