Sizing a solar battery system can be tricky. It should be big enough to supply your energy needs, but small enough to cut its overall cost. A simple mistake could either cause you to pour money down the drain or run out of power when you need it the most.
Read on as Green Air Heating and Air Conditioning, your trusted solar installation expert, shares an overview on how to choose the right size for your batteries and ensure the best performance for your solar panels.
1. Decrease Electrical Demand
First, you need to maximize your home’s energy efficiency to minimize electrical demand. This way, you only have to install fewer solar panels and smaller batteries. You can start by setting your thermostats higher in summer and lower in winter. Then, replace some of your appliances with ENERGY STAR® products, and use switchable power strips instead of vampire loads.
2. Perform An Energy Audit
Have a professional conduct an energy audit in your home to determine the areas that require sealing and insulating. They will provide you with recommendations afterward that will help reduce thermal loss and cut your energy consumption. You can also take this opportunity to work with HVAC contractors to upgrade your existing heating and cooling systems based on the energy audit report.
3. Monitor Power Draw and Compute Amp-Hour Requirements
Battery sizing is all about finding the right balance. You need to make sure you have enough electrical reserves for nighttime use and power outages. Identify how many kilowatt-hours (kWh) you need to store. The standard formula for this is Watts = Amps x Volts, but you can also use online calculators from battery manufacturers to simplify the process. You don’t have to worry about this when you work with a competent solar company like us.
4. Include a Safety Buffer
Sometimes, your HVAC has to work harder than expected due to temperature extremes. There are also moments when you have to consume more electricity than expected. This is why you need a safety buffer to make sure there’s sufficient surge capacity when this happens.
As the premier solar panel company, Green Air Heating and Air Conditioning has the expertise to help you choose the perfect battery size for your solar system. Call us at (925) 62-SOLAR or (925) 28-GREEN for more information. You may also fill out our contact form.
