Comprehensive solar planning: weather analysis, peak sun hours, tilt optimization, and power generation estimates
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Historical weather averages inform HVAC load planning. Hot months (above 25°C) also cause solar panel efficiency losses—panels lose ~0.4% output per degree above 25°C. Use humidity data to estimate dehumidifier loads in humid climates (35-50W per 10% above 50% RH in poorly insulated spaces).
| Month | High (°F) | Low (°F) | Mean (°F) | Humidity (%) | Wind Gusts (mph) | Wind Speed (mph) | Max Wind Gust (mph) |
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Wind data helps you plan for structural loads and cooling effects. Maximum monthly wind gusts inform mounting hardware requirements (most panels are rated for 50-60 mph sustained winds). Higher sustained winds can actually improve panel efficiency by cooling them, reducing temperature derating losses by 1-2%. Use this data when selecting mounting systems and evaluating site exposure.
kWh/m²/day on panel surface at different tilt angles
Peak Sun Hours (PSH) represents the average daily solar energy received per square meter of panel surface. Higher PSH means your system can be smaller and cheaper while producing the same energy. For example, a location with 6 PSH needs only half the panels of a location with 3 PSH to generate the same power. Monthly Optimal Tilt adjusts the panel angle each month for maximum energy capture (+10-20% annually), while Yearly Fixed Tilt uses a constant angle set to the location's latitude (simpler installation, slightly lower output).
Tilt angles show optimal panel orientation. Monthly Optimal Tilt tracks the sun's seasonal path (e.g., 60° in winter, 20° in summer at 40° latitude) for maximum output. Yearly Fixed Tilt uses your latitude angle (simplest—panels never move). At 40° latitude, winter production is ~30% lower than summer regardless of tilt method due to shorter days and sun angle.
| Month | Monthly Optimal | Yearly Fixed | Flat (0°) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tilt (°) | PSH | Tilt (°) | PSH | PSH | |
Active System: •
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Estimate your solar panel output based on PSH data
Power generation estimates for each month, comparing three tilt methods. Monthly Optimal Tilt maximizes output (+10-20% annually) but requires adjustable mounts ($200-500 extra). Yearly Fixed Tilt is the most common (simplest installation, latitude angle). Flat (0°) loses 10-30% efficiency but is necessary for flat roofs or RV installations. Compare annual totals to your electrical loads to size your system.
| Month | Monthly Optimal | Yearly Fixed | Flat (0°) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daily (kWh) | Monthly (kWh) | Daily (kWh) | Monthly (kWh) | Daily (kWh) | Monthly (kWh) | |
| Annual Total | - | - | - | |||
Enter your panel wattage above to see estimated power generation
Compare your solar generation against total electrical loads
Solar generation compared to electrical load consumption for each month. Positive values (green) mean excess solar that can charge batteries or feed the grid. Negative values (red) mean you'll need battery reserves, grid power, or generator backup. Aim for 100%+ annual coverage to account for weather variability and system degradation over time.
| Month | Solar Generation | Consumption | Surplus | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (kWh/month) | (kWh/day) | (kWh/month) | (kWh/day) | (kWh/month) | (kWh/day) | |
| Annual Total | - | - | - | |||
Enter panel wattage and add loads to see comparison
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This is the minimum usable battery bank size to power your loads for the configured days without solar input.
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This accounts for your peak load plus 20% safety margin for motor startup surges. Actual runtime during deficit periods depends on battery capacity. Diesel generators typically cost $0.30-0.50 per kWh in fuel alone.
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0.00 kWh/year
0.00 kWh/day
Enter a name for your system configuration: