How to Choose the Right Size Solar and Battery System: A South West Perspective

When it comes to installing solar panels and battery storage, size matters. At Yarmer Renewables, we frequently help homeowners determine the optimal system size for their needs. This guide walks you through the key factors to consider for your South West home.

Understanding Your Energy Needs

Calculate Your Daily Usage

The first step in sizing your solar system is understanding your current energy consumption:

• Daily Usage: This varies a lot between homes, so start from your own bills rather than a national figure
• Peak Usage Times: Typically 4-8pm in residential properties
• Seasonal Variations: Higher usage during winter months

Pro Tip: Check your last 12 months of energy bills to find your average daily consumption. This gives you a more accurate baseline for system sizing.

South West Considerations

Living in the South West brings a few specific things to think about:

Solar Panel System Sizing

Basic Calculation Method

To determine your ideal system size:

1. Daily Usage: Calculate your average daily consumption
2. Sun Hours: Factor in the generation your roof will actually get, which depends on orientation, pitch and shading (we model this at survey)
3. System Losses: Account for approximately 20% system losses
4. Future Needs: Add 20-25% for potential usage increase

Example Calculation

For a typical 4-bedroom South West home:

• Daily Usage: 10 kWh
• Required Generation: 12 kWh (accounting for losses)
• System Size: 3-4 kW system (based on South West sun hours)

Battery Storage Sizing

Key Factors to Consider

1. Evening Usage Pattern

   • Typical usage after sunset
   • Peak consumption times
   • Critical loads requirements

2. Backup Power Needs

   • Essential circuits
   • Duration of backup required
   • Power outage frequency

Recommended Battery Sizes

Choosing Products

The panels, inverters and batteries we currently fit are listed on our products page, with what each one is best suited to. We’ll recommend specific kit for your property at survey.

Installation Considerations

Roof Space Requirements

A rough guide for system sizing:

• 1 kW = approximately 5-6 m² roof space
• 4 kW system = 20-24 m² area
• Consider orientation and shading

Future-Proofing

When sizing your system, consider:

1. Electric Vehicle Charging

   • Add 2-3 kW for future EV
   • Consider charging patterns

2. Heat Pump Integration

   • Additional 3-4 kW capacity
   • Seasonal usage variation

Expert Tips

1. Start with Energy Efficiency

   • Improve insulation first
   • Upgrade to LED lighting
   • Consider smart controls

2. Monitor and Adjust

   • Install consumption monitoring
   • Track generation patterns
   • optimise usage habits

3. Regional Considerations

   • Account for marine environment
   • Plan for local weather patterns
   • Consider microclimate effects

Financial Considerations

System Costs

Cost depends on the size of the system, whether you add a battery, and the property itself. Difficult scaffolding access, listed building work, a three-phase supply, or roof repairs needed before install all affect it. We give you a written quote after a free survey.

Payback

Payback depends on system size, how much of the power you use yourself and your tariff. We work it out for your property at survey.

Next Steps

Book a Free Consultation

Contact Yarmer Renewables for:

• Detailed site assessment
• Personalized system design
• Custom quote

Contact Information

• Phone: +44 7966 295073
• Email: info@yarmer.co.uk

Conclusion

Choosing the right size solar and battery system is crucial for getting the most from your investment. We’re based in the South West, and we design every system around the property it’s going on.

Remember, the best system is one that balances:

• Current energy needs
• Future usage plans
• Available space
• Budget considerations
• Regional factors

Get in touch for a personalised assessment.

Yarmer Renewables - Solar and battery storage installers in the South West