Solar Panel Sizing Calculator

Calculate the solar panel wattage needed to charge a battery or run a load given daily energy needs and sun hours.

Wh
hours
%

Required Panel Wattage

13.3 W

Panel Current (12V system)1.11 A
Daily Generation66.7 Wh

Required Panel Wattage vs Daily Energy Needed

Solar Panel Sizing

Formula

Panel Watts = Daily Energy / (Sun Hours x Efficiency)

Efficiency accounts for charge controller losses, wiring, temperature derating, and panel degradation. Typical system efficiency is 70-80%.

Example Calculation

50 Wh daily energy need, 5 peak sun hours, 75% system efficiency.

  1. 01Required generation = 50 / 0.75 = 66.7 Wh
  2. 02Panel watts = 66.7 / 5 = 13.3 W
  3. 03At 12 V: current = 13.3 / 12 = 1.11 A

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