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Writer's pictureSubodh Mahajan

The Ultimate Thumb Rule for Calculating Your Home Solar Plant Capacity in Delhi

Updated: Feb 28

Solar energy is becoming increasingly popular as people are recognizing the importance of sustainable living and reducing their carbon footprint. However, for many homeowners, the process of installing a solar power plant can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to determining the capacity needed for a home solar power plant. This guide demystifies the process, presenting a universally applicable thumb rule for calculating the solar plant capacity alongside additional factors crucial for an accurate calculation.



Solar Panels on Roof


The thumb rule for determining the solar plant capacity is to divide the total units consumed mentioned in the electricity bills by 120.


Understanding the Thumb Rule for Solar Capacity Calculation

At the heart of solar capacity planning lies the thumb rule: a simple yet effective starting point for homeowners. This rule suggests dividing your monthly electricity consumption, as stated on your utility bills, by 120 to determine the basic capacity in kilowatts required for your solar plant. For instance, a monthly usage of 600 units translates to a solar capacity need of 5 kilowatts (600 units / 120).


With the simple thumb rule calculation—dividing your monthly electricity consumption by 120—you can quickly figure out the solar plant capacity you need. Now, you can use this information to book or buy your solar plant online directly. This convenient online booking process makes it easy for anyone to transition to sustainable living. Just calculate your requirement, and then book or buy your solar plant online, ensuring you're on your way to a cleaner, greener future with ease.

Beyond the Basics: A Holistic Approach to Solar System Design

However, this method is not completely accurate and there are other factors that need to be considered before finalizing the capacity of the solar plant. While the thumb rule provides a preliminary estimate, it's merely the tip of the iceberg. These factors include the number of occupants in the house, the size of the house, and the type of electrical appliances used.

To calculate the exact capacity of the solar plant required for your home in Delhi, follow these steps:


Step 1: Collect Your Electricity Bills

The first step is to collect your electricity bills for the past 12 months. This will give you an idea of your energy consumption and the average units consumed per month.


Step 2: Calculate the Monthly Average

Add up the total units consumed in the past 12 months and divide it by 12 to get the average monthly units consumed.


Step 3: Determine Your Load Profile

The load profile refers to the amount of electricity you consume during different times of the day. During the day, the solar panels will produce electricity, and any excess power will be stored in batteries. At night, when the solar panels are not generating any power, the electricity will be drawn from the batteries.


Step 4: Consider System Losses

It is important to consider system losses when calculating the solar plant capacity. System losses occur due to factors such as wiring resistance, inverter efficiency, and temperature. A general rule of thumb is to add 15% to 20% to the total capacity to account for system losses.


Step 5: Choose the Solar Panel Size

The final step is to choose the appropriate size of the solar panels. Solar panels are available in different sizes and efficiencies. It is important to choose the size that meets your power requirements and fits your budget.


An Alternative Method for Higher Precision

For those seeking precision, another method involves calculating your average daily energy consumption from your annual electricity bills and multiplying this by the peak sunlight hours in your area. This approach considers the intensity of sunlight available to power the solar panels, providing a refined estimate of the required capacity.


  1. Gather Your Electricity Bills: Start by collecting all your electricity bills from the past year.

  2. Calculate Your Average Daily Energy Consumption:

  • Add up the total units of electricity consumed over the year.

  • Divide this total by 365 to get your average daily energy consumption in kilowatt-hours (kWh).

  1. Determine Peak Sunlight Hours:

  • Understand that peak sunlight hours are the period each day when solar radiation is strongest.

  • Note that in Delhi, the average peak sunlight hours are about 5.5 hours per day.

  1. Calculate Solar Power Plant Capacity:

  • Multiply your average daily energy consumption (from step 2) by the average peak sunlight hours in Delhi (from step 3).

  • This calculation gives you the size of the solar power plant you need in kilowatts (kW).

  1. Example Calculation: If your average daily energy consumption is 20 kWh:

  • Multiply 20 kWh (daily consumption) by 5.5 hours (peak sunlight hours).

  • The result indicates a required solar power plant capacity of approximately 4 kW to meet your energy needs.



ground mounted solar plant

It's important to note that this is just a more accurate thumb rule estimate of your requirement of solar plant size and that the actual capacity required may vary. These variations include the orientation and tilt angle of your solar panels, the overall efficiency of your solar system, and specific energy consumption patterns in your household.


At Bigwit Energy, our team of experts can help you accurately determine the capacity of your solar power plant and design a system that meets your unique energy needs. We offer a range of solar power solutions that are tailored to your specific requirements and budget.

You can schedule a free consultation visit by visiting our consultation page here.


Picture this: a world where every rooftop catches the sun's rays, transforming them into clean, green energy. That's not a distant dream—it's a reality we're stepping into, one solar panel at a time. This journey, though, begins in the comfort of your own home, with a simple calculation that could light up your life and perhaps even the neighborhood.

We've walked through the maths, but let's not forget: these numbers are more than just figures; they're the first chapter of your solar saga. The thumb rule and our dive into daily energy use? They're your trusty companions, guiding you through the forest of figures to find the perfect solar setup for your castle.


But here's the twist: the story doesn't end with calculations. Your home, with its unique charm and quirks, plays a starring role. The way your roof slants towards the sky, the dance of sunlight across your backyard, and even your nightly Netflix binge—all these elements shape your solar tale.


So, as you stand at the threshold of this solar adventure, remember: you're not just picking panels; you're casting the characters for your energy epic. This is your chance to script a greener future, to turn your home into a beacon of sustainability.

In the grand scheme of things, going solar is like planting a tree whose shade you might never enjoy. But it's a legacy, a testament to your foresight and commitment to a planet that desperately needs more heroes.


Welcome to the solar movement, where every small step illuminates the path to a brighter, cleaner tomorrow. Your journey begins here, with a simple calculation and a dream of sunny days ahead. Let's make it a reality, shall we?

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