+260 977 589 751 | +260 967 208 005


moc.acirfayarnus%40bew

+260 977 589 751 | +260 967 208 005


moc.acirfayarnus%40bew

Sizing of Solar Systems / Kits

When designing a home solar system, it is common practice to split the loads in the electrical distribution board (DB) into essential and non-essential loads and then size the solar system to power only the essential loads. This in to reduce the size and therefore the cost of the system. Essential loads are typically lights, computers, routers, TVs, fridges, microwave ovens and kettles, while non-essential loads are typically hot water geysers, electric stoves and air conditioners.

It is also advisable to replace appliances on the essential circuit, such as refrigerators and lights, with energy-efficient models. The cost of new appliances usually outweighs the cost of installing a bigger solar system.
The next step is to list all the appliances on the essential circuit together with their maximum power, daytime running hours and night-time running hours. Important to note that a reduction in night-time running hours will reduce the required battery bank size. (Keep in mind that batteries are usually the most expensive component of a solar system).
Other factors to consider with the design of a solar system is the available area for installation of solar panels, orientation of solar array, shading and suitability of surface for installation of solar panels (such as orientation and strength of roof).

Solar System Sizing Tool

We developed a spreadsheet tool to assist with the sizing of solar home systems. This tool can be downloaded by clicking on the following link: 

For more sophisticated design Sunray uses industry standard tools such as PV*Sol https://pvsol.software/en/ 

Popular Solar Home Kits

Sunray offers a few standard solar home kits configured for the following consumption scenarios:

Illustration

The kits are listed under “Kits” in the “Products” page.  Several options are offered for each of the 4 consumption scenarios. Kits A1& A2 apply to consumption scenario A, B1, B2 and B3 applies to scenario B and so forth.

Not sure which Solar System Kitis right for you?

Get in touch with one of our experts to find the perfect solution!