How to Size Your Off Grid Solar Power System: Off Grid Solar Calculation

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Күн бұрын

🎁 Free diagrams: cleversolarpower.com/free-dia...
📖 My best-selling book: cleversolarpower.com/off-grid...
Link to sunhours at your location: pvwatts.nrel.gov/pvwatts.php
Discover the essentials of off-grid solar power in this comprehensive video, where I'll guide you through the process of load calculation and how to size your off-grid solar installation effectively. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your knowledge, this video is packed with valuable insights.
We'll cover every critical step in sizing off-grid solar, including:
- Analyzing Different Loads: Understanding the power requirements of your appliances.
- Selecting Battery Voltage: Choosing the right voltage for your system for optimal performance.
- Determining Days of Autonomy: Calculating how many days your system can run without solar input.
- Calculating Battery Size: Figuring out the right battery capacity for your needs.
- Finding Your Amount of Sun Hours: Using tools like PVWatts to assess solar potential in your area.
- Calculating How Many Solar Panels You Need: Finalizing the number of panels required to meet your energy demands.
Presented in an 'over the shoulder' format, this video makes it easy to follow along with the calculations. If you prefer a more hands-on approach, you can use my calculator: cleversolarpower.com/off-grid... there you can input your data for personalized results.
From understanding the nuances of load calculation to the practical aspects of sizing off-grid solar, this video is your go-to resource. We'll delve into real-world examples, such as calculating for a system with LED lights, a fridge, a laptop charger, and a TV, ensuring you have a clear understanding of the process.
Got questions? Leave them in the comments and I will reply to them asap.

Пікірлер: 87

@cleversolarpower 4 ай бұрын

🎁 Free diagrams: cleversolarpower.com/free-diagrams/ 📖 My best-selling book: cleversolarpower.com/off-grid-solar-power-simplified

@pastorjohnculbertson661 3 ай бұрын

It's been in planning for some time, then suddenly I wind up with a small park and the joining 134 acres, oh why the heck not let's build a mega park... I must be insane

@richardcurrin7812 3 ай бұрын

This is the best and most concise video on solar systems that I’ve seen

@mfb6310 Ай бұрын

You are SO HELPFUL - Thank you so much!!!

@skampp Ай бұрын

Wow, this is by far the most concise, clear explanation I've ever seen and heard. Very well done, sir. Thank you for the content.

@aaronprofessorval6007 4 ай бұрын

Great video!

@steverook2698 2 ай бұрын

Nice job! Thank you! Appreciate you walking through the whole process.

@cleversolarpower 2 ай бұрын

Thanks! My pleasure.

@jamesalles139 4 ай бұрын

Thank You!

@joblack3991 4 ай бұрын

Very useful with clear explanations. Thanks

@cleversolarpower 4 ай бұрын

Glad you liked it!

@JohnJames-xj7df 4 ай бұрын

Thanks, great videos

@florinsicaru4760 Ай бұрын

Very usefull. Thank you.

@ImASurvivorNThriver 4 ай бұрын

Good stuff! Thanks for sharing.

@cleversolarpower 4 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@austinmpofu5150 2 ай бұрын

Absolutely great content

@cleversolarpower 2 ай бұрын

Thank you Austin!

@multiskilledelectrician1 2 ай бұрын

This is informative. First time, and I've subscribed.

@cleversolarpower 2 ай бұрын

Welcome aboard!

@adeyinkakoya5571 2 ай бұрын

Best breakdown ive seen. Amazing

@linossinkala7840 20 күн бұрын

Thankyou sir

@Tykoon 3 ай бұрын

Excellent presentation. Which Solar Panels would you recommend for charging a Power Station like Anker, Bluetti or Ecoflow?

@cleversolarpower 3 ай бұрын

If you have space get poly, if you are limited by space get mono. Get rigid panels, not flexible. As for brands, no particular recommendation.

@owolabiadeteye5919 19 күн бұрын

Thanks, great job. What is the difference between off grid and grid tied inverter. Thanks a lot

@cleversolarpower 19 күн бұрын

The output of an off-grid inverter cannot synch with the grid power, thus it cannot send power back onto the grid. These are cheaper. Grid-tie inverters can send power back to the grid and are, therefore, more expensive. I made a video about different inverters. Check it out on my channel page.

@reneeccrn 3 ай бұрын

Excellent videos! I cannot seem to download the 7 free schematics.

@cleversolarpower 3 ай бұрын

There was an error with the software. It should be fixed now. Thank you for mentioning it.

@joblack3991 4 ай бұрын

Have you made a video on solar charger selection (voltage and current) and sizing of power panels, taking into account that the panels are very unlikely to produce the rated power?

@cleversolarpower 4 ай бұрын

Do you mean sizing charge controllers or regular battery chargers? Indeed, I have accounted for this in the video. Sun hours is the amount of hours where you will have 1000w/m2. So we base the calculation on that. So a 100w panel produces 400wh in one day with 4 sunhours, but there are actually more sunhours in the day, but not at 1000W/m2. That makes up for the ~70% efficiency.

@Matthew_Loutner 2 ай бұрын

Figure on a 100 watt solar panel putting out 70 watts when it is hooked up to the system and operating in full sun and half that amount when the sky is 50% cloudy.

@AkramBedouiEPT Ай бұрын

In section 4 "Battery size", could you please explain why you chose a voltage of 12V ? Later, in the last section of the video, we found powers ranging between 1000W and 2000W (1760W fo lead-acid and 1420 for lithium), so we should use a 24V battery. Shouldn't we ?

@cleversolarpower Ай бұрын

The inverter size depends on the load that we have to power. The load is expressed in watts, while the energy consumption is expressed in Wh. I think you confused power (Watts) with power consumption (Watt hours).

@ChaseEagle 4 күн бұрын

inverter size?

@stever197037 4 ай бұрын

Best thing you can do is have your panel voltage to exceed your battery by at least 8 volts. This way it charges all day. Not just a small window in the middle of the day. Mine were charging as soon as the sun rose and almost untill it set.

@cleversolarpower 4 ай бұрын

Voltage is depends on the temperature, while irradiance effects current. So the voltage of your solar panel will be higher when there is no direct sun on it.

@stever197037 3 ай бұрын

@@cleversolarpower The max voltage rating of the panel. Go ahead and feed into the hype. Or you could verify it.

@jsoftchisen245 Ай бұрын

Does the charge control also affect battery charge

@stever197037 13 күн бұрын

@@cleversolarpower I guess you didn't understand my meaning. If you have for instance a 12v panel with a peak of 14v it will only charge 12v during peak sun. Given that a 12v system needs the 14v to charge. If you use a 20v peak panel for 12v it will charge outside of peak sun as it doesn't need peak sun to reach 14v. The higher your voltage going to the controller, the more hours of use you can get out of the panels each day. You need less panels to charge the battery bank then. Or you have have a controller move the panels. I just over rated mine and let them sit. Dusk to dawn working and charging.

@wenzydemar4406 2 ай бұрын

Hello! Thanks for sharing these useful tips with us. But i have a question. why do you size your pv array based on half of your battery bank total watt-hours for 3 days of autonomy? From what i understand the solar panels should be sized based on the total daily watt-hours?... Because they're there to replace what you take out from the batteries during one day....not three days.... you won't probably have to go for three days without sun very often...i'm a bit confused! 😢

@cleversolarpower 2 ай бұрын

The solar array should be sized to recharge the battery in one day of sun, 2-5 sunhours depending on location. The battery is sized for the loads, so they can run for 3 days. Hope this helps.

@Matthew_Loutner 2 ай бұрын

I live in Arkansas and 3 days with no sun is common. My record is 12 days with no sun.

@wenzydemar4406 2 ай бұрын

okay! Let's say we're in the caribbean islands,where we never go 3 three days without sun...will this sizing method be ok? And what i understand if we use a DOD of 50% in our calculation for a 3 day atonomy....we'll never reach that DOD unless we have non sun for three days. Wouldn't be better that we size our solar system based on what we consume daily?

@wenzydemar4406 Ай бұрын

@cleversolarpower

@adamaze2920 4 ай бұрын

10kw or more power setup guide please

@cleversolarpower 4 ай бұрын

Do you mean 10kw of solar or 10kw of batteries?

@adamaze2920 4 ай бұрын

@@cleversolarpower system that can support a home

@DeanWinchester-xm5es 2 ай бұрын

Does 48v 100ah battery can sustain my 12,000 watt-hour per day?

@cleversolarpower 2 ай бұрын

54.4V*100ah= 5440wh. So you need at least 3 batteries.

@DeanWinchester-xm5es 2 ай бұрын

@@cleversolarpower In what connection? Series or parallel?

@Sam-hj5ok 2 ай бұрын

@@DeanWinchester-xm5esshould be parallel. If you put it in series, it would increase the voltage (I'm guessing your inverter would be limited to 48v)

@deanhenthorn1890 3 ай бұрын

Lead acid batteries have a warranty, so if one goes bad in it’s warranties period, it gets replaced. Buy the ones that fit your car or truck. WallyWorld is great for replacing the batteries

@cleversolarpower 3 ай бұрын

Lead acid is making way for lithium. Very cheap now, check my video where I compare lithium with lead acid.

@deanhenthorn1890 3 ай бұрын

@@cleversolarpower Does lithium batteries have a replacement warranty similar to FLA? I haven’t seen that yet. Can the lithium be recycled? Yes but the cost is more than mining the raw lithium

@pastorjohnculbertson661 3 ай бұрын

I'm building/ rebuilding an rv park with 367 spots, and I want the entire park off grid!

@cleversolarpower 3 ай бұрын

It seems like a big project, every RV will want to plug in and use their big appliances, most likely AC too.

@Matthew_Loutner 2 ай бұрын

That would require an incredible amount of money. You might want to hook up to the grid and then convert your spaces one at a time to see how it is going. Do not forget to position your solar panels to provide shade for the campers.

@Dingo_vualxong 3 ай бұрын

I need your cooperation, please guide me now I am working with solar team

@cleversolarpower 3 ай бұрын

You can contact me through my website.

@geoffreykaila Ай бұрын

When using lead-acid batteries. If the design DoD is 50%. How do you make sure that you do not exceed this set limit?

@donf3877 11 күн бұрын

You need an inverter you can set the shut-off voltage.

@GerbenWulff Ай бұрын

Batteries are expensive and as you will get at least a little sunshine even on a cloudy day, I would recommend oversizing the solar system and going for a smaller battery size. From an economic standpoint, the depreciation on batteries is just too much compared to the cost of adding extra solar. It also depends on what is available: this equipement comes in specific sizes, you have to make the calculations with the panels, inverter and batteries that your potential supplier has available. If he has a 4 kWh battery, use ~3 kW panels, if he has 5 kWh, then ~2 kW should be enough.

@cleversolarpower Ай бұрын

Getting second-hand solar panels is also a great way of saving money.

@MaritimeUnprepared 22 күн бұрын

I've been trying to find a good deal on solar panels but no luck beyond Amazon. Since I live in Canada I need to run a generator periodically to fill up after weeks of overcast 😅

@jeanlemire9916 12 күн бұрын

J’aimerais beaucoup avoir c’est explications en français s.v.p.

@cleversolarpower 10 күн бұрын

You can enable auto translation to French 😉

@shauny9149 Ай бұрын

The 3.47 you used is kw/h/m2 not kw/h

@anthonybianue9206 29 күн бұрын

I am so confused how you are converting 80% efficiency of lead acid battery to 1.25(*2) or how you 50% capacity is 2(*1). Are you trying to make the percentage to 1 whats the idea behind this

@user-uv1ko4ku5q 21 күн бұрын

Yes me too,

@anthonybianue9206 21 күн бұрын

I figured it out. It's 1/(80/100) let me know if its helps

@arkadiuszk.3898 4 ай бұрын

My battery is tank 300L of water. I need warm water every day.

@cleversolarpower 4 ай бұрын

Solar panels straight to heating element?

@arkadiuszk.3898 4 ай бұрын

@@cleversolarpower NO. There is a regulator between the panels and the heater. Heater without its own regulator, powered by DC current.

@mynameisprivate158 4 ай бұрын

I would use a solar heater like a pool heater (black pipes sitting in sunlight) and a small solar panel powered recirculation pump to move the water through the pipes. Seems like direct sun heating would be more effecient!

@DarrylADavis-rb4ji 3 ай бұрын

Lithium. 100lbs per 100sqft of house.

@cleversolarpower 3 ай бұрын

That's a very inaccurate way to size a system. What might work for you doesn't work for everybody.

@DarrylADavis-rb4ji 3 ай бұрын

@cleversolarpower You might be right. I'm a Biochemist and see things differently. To reduce the stress on any battery system, you attach it to a load that can't overheat.

@globalwarninguk Ай бұрын

The PV watt calculator is not very good. The location is very inaccurate.

@cleversolarpower Ай бұрын

Check my latest video: what can a 100W solar panel run where I check the accuracy of the tool PV watts.

@AkramBedouiEPT Ай бұрын

Did anyone get the error in the last section of the video ? He confused solar radiation with number of sunny hours a day ! No ! Solar radiation (in kWh/m²/day) accounts for the amount of sun energy capted by a unit of surface. So, the calculations would be : * For lead-acid 6 112 Wh = 6.112 kWh 6.112 kWh divided by 3.47 kWh/m² = 1.76 m² That's almost one ordinary solar panel * For lithium 4 938 Wh = 4.938 kWh 4.938 kWh divided by 3.47 kWh/m² = 1.42 m² Could you plese confirm/correct ?

@AkramBedouiEPT Ай бұрын

Using ChatGPT: *Question: Does a solar radiation of 5 kWh/m²/day mean that on average we have 5 hours of sun in a day ?! *Answer: No, a solar radiation of 5 kWh/m²/day does not necessarily mean that there are 5 hours of sunlight in a day. Solar radiation, typically expressed in kilowatt-hours per square meter per day (kWh/m²/day), refers to the total amount of solar energy received on a horizontal surface over the course of a day. It is a measure of the intensity of sunlight reaching the Earth's surface. The value of 5 kWh/m²/day indicates the total energy received from sunlight over the entire day, regardless of the duration of sunlight exposure. This value can vary depending on factors such as location, time of year, weather conditions, and atmospheric factors. In regions with longer daylight hours, the same amount of solar radiation may be spread over a longer period of time, resulting in lower intensity but longer duration of sunlight exposure. Conversely, in regions with shorter daylight hours, the same amount of solar radiation may be concentrated into a shorter period of time, resulting in higher intensity but shorter duration of sunlight exposure. Therefore, the solar radiation value of 5 kWh/m²/day does not directly correlate to the number of hours of sunlight in a day. It represents the total energy available from sunlight over the entire day, and the actual duration of sunlight exposure can vary depending on local conditions.

@AkramBedouiEPT Ай бұрын

Otherwise, that's an excellent video ! Thanks !

@cleversolarpower Ай бұрын

No, sunhours equals kW/m²/day. Solar panels at STC are rated at 1kW/m² at 25°C. Don't confuse sunhours with actual hours of sun per day. It could be that one day has 6 hours of sun at 500W/m². This is equal to 3 sunhours. Because 1 sunhour is 1000W/m².