How Do I Know What Size Solar Inverter I Need For My House?

If you are thinking about installing a solar system at your Central Florida home, you may be wondering what size inverter you will need for your home. Great question! Our team at Solar Bear Orlando is here to guide you through everything you need to know.

Let’s get to it!

Understanding Solar Inverters

First things first, let’s talk about what a solar inverter does. Essentially, it’s the device that will convert the direct current (DC) electricity generated by your solar panel system into alternating current (AC) electricity, which is what your home uses.

This is why it is so important to choose an inverter that will match your home’s size and maximize your system’s overall efficiency. 

Determine Your Electricity Needs

To ensure the inverter is the right size for your home, we will need to start by evaluating your household’s electricity consumption. This can typically be found on your utility bills and is shown as your energy usage in kilowatt-hours (kWh).

Look for your average monthly usage, and if you notice any variations, like when it is hot here in Orlando, make a note of that too.

Consider Your Solar Panel System

Next, we will consider the size and output of the solar panel system that you have or want to install. We measure the power of solar panels in watts, and most residential panels range from 250 to 400 watts per panel.

So, once we know the size of your system, we can estimate the appropriate size of the inverter. Generally, we will divide the total wattage of your solar panels by 1000 to convert it to kilowatts (kW). For example, if you have an 8 kW solar system, you will need an inverter that can handle that output.

Inverter Sizing Guidelines

Solar inverters come in different sizes and generally range from 1 kW to 10 kW or more. We recommend choosing an inverter that can handle the maximum output of your solar panels without being oversized.

If the inverter is too large, it can be inefficient, while if it’s too slow, it might not adequately manage your power needs.

Redundancy and Future Expansion

Remember, it’s also important to keep your plans in mind when choosing an inverter. If you want to add more panels later, it might be a good idea to choose an inverter that can accommodate that additional capacity.

Consult a Professional

Of course, you don’t have to choose your solar inverter on your own! While these tips are a good starting point, we are here to help. Our team can help assess your home’s energy usage and the size of your system to help you find the perfect match.

Read More > What Are My Options for Residential Solar?

Central Florida Solar Installations

If you have any questions or want to get started with installing a solar system at your Orlando home or business, reach out to us at (727) 471-7442 today. We’re excited to help you make the switch to solar power!