Solar PV System Sizing and Load Analysis for Residential and Commercial Applications

Solar PV System Sizing and Load Analysis for Residential and Commercial Applications

Proper sizing of a solar PV system is critical to ensuring it meets the energy demands of the intended application — whether for a small home or a large commercial facility. Over-sizing results in unnecessary capital expenditure, while under-sizing leads to insufficient power and system inefficiencies. This guide provides a step-by-step technical framework for load analysis , system sizing, component selection, and performance forecasting , using real-world examples and calculations tailored for both residential and commercial projects. 1. Why Load  Analysis Is Important Load analysis is the foundation of PV system sizing. It determines: How much energy is consumed daily and monthly What the peak power demand is When the demand occurs (day/night) Seasonal load variations This ensures the PV system is designed to match the demand curve as closely as possible . 2. Step-by-Step Load Analysis 🔹 Step 1: List Electrical Appliances Create a table with: Appliance name Rated power (W) Quantity Daily usage hour…