Power Load Calculation Worksheet
The first step in designing your alternative energy system will be to determine your estimated electrical needs. Knowing how much energy you intend to use and what type of appliances and equipment will be powered on your system is the starting point for any system design. And using only the most efficient appliances in the most efficient manner will help to keep your initial costs down.
The size and cost of any renewable energy system depends on:
Make a list of the appliances and/or loads you are going to run from your PV System. Find out how much power each item consumes while operating. Most appliances have a label on the back which lists the wattage. Specification sheets, local appliance dealers, and the product manufacturers are other sources of information. We have provided a worksheet that lists typical power consumption demands of common devices which you can use as a guide. Then go through your average day in your mind and determine what electrical items you use and how many HOURS they will be used on an average. If an appliance is rated in amps, multiply amps by operating voltage (120 or 240) to find watts.
Calculate Energy Use 