How to Size a Solar System for Your Home
The right system depends on your roof, your power use and when you use it. A neighbour's system size tells you very little about yours. Here is what we check before we put a number on a quote.
Start with your power bills
Your bills show how much power you use and, if you have a smart meter, roughly when you use it. A household that runs the pool pump and dishwasher during the day gets more direct use from solar than one that is out all day and uses most of its power at night.
Then look at the roof
Roof direction, pitch, shading and usable space all limit what can go up. Trees, neighbouring buildings and even vents can shade part of an array. That is why we go up and look rather than pricing from a satellite photo.
Check the switchboard and network limits
An older switchboard may need work before it can take solar. Your local network also sets limits on how much you can export. We check both so they are on the quote from the start, not a surprise on install day.
Think about what comes next
If a battery or an electric car is on the cards, it changes the design. Tell us at the site visit and we can size the system with that in mind, even if you do not add them straight away.