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Design a PV installation 

The sizing of a photovoltaic installation depends on several factors:

1. Your electricity needs:

  • What is your annual electricity consumption?
  • Do you have specific electricity needs, for example for a heat pump or an electric vehicle?

2. The sunshine of your site:

  • How much annual sunshine does your site receive?
  • Are there any obstacles that shade your roof?

3. The available surface area on your roof:

  • How much area is available on your roof for installing solar panels?
  • What is the orientation and slope of your roof?

4. Your budget:

  • What is your budget for the photovoltaic installation?

5. Your goals:

  • Do you want to maximize your electricity production?
  • Do you want to reduce your electricity bill?
  • Do you want to become electrically independent?

Tools and procedures:

  • Online simulators:
    • There are many online simulators that allow you to size your photovoltaic installation.
    • These simulators will ask you to provide information on your electricity consumption, the sunshine on your site and the surface area available on your roof.
  • Professionals:
    • You can also call on a professional to size your photovoltaic installation.
    • It is strongly recommended to call upon a RESCERT certified professional.

Things to consider:

  • The power of the installation:
    • The power of the installation is expressed in kilowatts-peak (kWp).
    • It corresponds to the maximum power that the installation can produce under optimal conditions.
  • The number of solar panels:
    • The number of solar panels depends on the power of the installation and the power of the panels.
  • The inverter:
    • The inverter is an essential element of the photovoltaic installation.
    • It converts the direct current produced by solar panels into alternating current compatible with the electrical grid.
  • Batteries:
    • If you want to store the electricity produced by your photovoltaic installation, you can install batteries.
    • The batteries will allow you to use the electricity produced by your solar panels even in low sunlight.