Once the solar panels’ capacity and cost are estimated, it is time to determine the solar array’s dimensions.

This very useful piece of information is important prior to the site survey for any solar electric system, since the best possible location for sunlight will need to be pinpointed, and it will need to be suitable to the dimensions of the solar array. Ideally, the solar panels must be placed so that sunlight will shine directly on them without obstruction, assuring the least possibility of tripping every few minutes. Today’s solar market offers two primary panel technologies: amorphous and crystalline. Their characteristics, benefits and disadvantages are covered here. 

To work out the amount of space required by your solar panels, it must be understood that one square meter (about 9.9 square feet) of amorphous solar panel can generate about 60 watts compared to 160 watts with a similar-sized crystalline panel. A typical vacation home will require a suitable location that can fit 7.5 square meters, or 67 square feet of amorphous panels. Alternatively, crystalline panels will require 2.8 square meters, or 25 square feet of space.

Summary

1. A theoretical computation of the amount of solar energy that can be generated at the preferred site can provide a ballpark figure for the solar electric system’s cost.
2. Certain inefficiencies will need to be accounted for and their costs added into the computation for a more accurate price of the type of solar electric system needed to provide sufficient power.
3. It is common for cost computations to be high the first time round. The trick is to revert to the original scope of the design and determine which components can be discarded or changed for less expensive alternatives.
4. Ballpark figures are helpful for working out an estimate of the solar array size. This estimate can provide a more accurate understanding of the space that will be required when performing the site survey.