Help with fitting the right size solar for my energy usage

[DStarr]

Hi all,
I’m new to the solar scene, so please excuse my ignorance. I’m looking at setting up a solar array on the roof top of my facility. It’s quite a big facility and I want to get an idea of the size of the array before I get started.
I guess my question is, I have all the round the clock energy usage data for my facility, how can I translate this into requirements for size? I want my solar panels to just cover the amount of energy that I’m currently using, I’m not looking to export anything back into the grid.
I’ll make my data available if anyone would be interested in having a look.
Any help would be really appreciated!
Daniel S

[daz]

I’m looking at setting up a solar array on the roof top of my facility. It’s quite a big facility and I want to get an idea of the size of the array before I get started.
I guess my question is, I have all the round the clock energy usage data for my facility, how can I translate this into requirements for size?

Hi there Daniel.
Welcome to Solar Panel Talk!

What is your reasoning for wanting to go solar for your facility? Are you trying to save on your electricity bill? Or is it just a green initiative? Or perhaps a backup power source for when the power goes down?

Before anyone can help, we need to know a couple of things.
First off, what is the power consumption of your facility? We need to know how much power you need in order to be able to calculate required solar array, etc. What is your monthly KWH usage that you are wanting to cover via solar power?

Secondly, we will need to know your insolation. I am not familiar with the US solar insolation figures, but there are a few guys here on the forum that can help out if you cannot find out what your solar insolation is.

Importantly we need to know how much power that you need, otherwise it is pretty much a moot point. See if you can dig out the power consumption figures for your plant, and post them here when you have found them. Will be able to help once we know that.

NB bear in mind that solar is expensive! In a lot of cases it costs more than normal grid power.....

[myfriendSUN]

Size of system??? This is one of the way to find out.

http://pvwatts.nrel.gov/

Go to PV Watts Calculator and enter your site location.
Then enter a system size (KW) it will give an estimated KWH for the months and year.
Try to find size that would fit your requirement.

[J.P.M.]

Hi all,
I’m new to the solar scene, so please excuse my ignorance. I’m looking at setting up a solar array on the roof top of my facility. It’s quite a big facility and I want to get an idea of the size of the array before I get started.
I guess my question is, I have all the round the clock energy usage data for my facility, how can I translate this into requirements for size? I want my solar panels to just cover the amount of energy that I’m currently using, I’m not looking to export anything back into the grid.
I’ll make my data available if anyone would be interested in having a look.
Any help would be really appreciated!
Daniel S

Usually, for most applications it is not cost effective to offset an entire electric load with solar, especially so for commercial, industrial, or other enterprises. Not trying to discourage your efforts or your enthusiasm, but once you learn something of the availability, capabilities, and limitations of the resource, you may decide to scale back the scope of your endeavors. Maybe I'm wrong. Start w/ a solar textbook and see for yourself.

Good luck.