Investing in solar energy is a smart move, but sizing your system correctly is essential to maximising benefits. An oversized system wastes money, while an undersized one may not meet your needs. Here’s a simple guide to help you get it right.
Assess Your Energy Consumption
Start by reviewing your electricity bills to determine your average daily and monthly usage in kilowatt‑hours (kWh). Seasonal variations are common—summer may require more cooling, while winter demands more heating. Understanding your consumption patterns helps determine how much solar power you need.
Consider Roof Size & Orientation
The available roof area, its pitch and orientation toward the sun directly impact your system’s potential output. South African homes ideally require north‑facing roofs for optimal sunlight exposure. Shade from trees or buildings can also reduce efficiency. If roof space is limited, high‑efficiency panels may be necessary to meet power requirements.
Choose Between Grid‑Tied & Off‑Grid
Grid‑tied systems are connected to the national grid and typically do not include battery storage. They allow you to draw energy from the grid when necessary and may enable you to feed excess energy back. Off‑grid systems rely on batteries to store energy for later use, providing independence but increasing cost and complexity. A hybrid system combines both approaches, ensuring backup during outages while exporting surplus power when possible.
Plan for Future Growth
Your energy needs may change over time. If you anticipate purchasing an electric vehicle or adding more appliances, factor future demand into your design. Installing slightly more capacity now may be cheaper than upgrading later.
Ultimately, selecting the right solar system requires careful evaluation of your usage patterns, roof characteristics and goals. At NOU‑BOU, our experts conduct detailed assessments and provide tailored recommendations to ensure your system delivers maximum value.
Have questions? Reach out to us for a customised solar assessment.