What Size Solar System Do You Really Need? A Practical Guide By Leekabod

Leekabod Electronics Is Your One-stop Shop for Everything Electronic, From The Latest Gadgets and Gizmos to the Essential Appliances.

Our Contact Numbers Are: +263 78 431 3713, +263 78 957 3484, +263 71 409 0819

 As a journalist covering technology, I've seen the excitement around solar energy in Zimbabwe grow firsthand.

A Collaborative Guide by a Tech Journalist and Leekabod Senior Solar Expert

The Journalist's Introduction: The Number One Question

 But that excitement is almost always followed by one critical, and often confusing, question: "What size system do I need?" The internet is a whirlwind of numbers—3kW, 5kW, 8kW, 10kVA—and it’s incredibly difficult for the average person to know what they mean. Choosing wrong can lead to frustration from an underpowered system or wasted money on an oversized one. Getting this right is the key to a successful solar journey.

What Size Solar System Do You Really Need? A Practical Guide By Leekabod

The Solar Expert's Opening Statement: It's Not About Size, It's About Your Life

This is the single most important conversation we have with our clients. The goal isn't to sell you the biggest system; it's to design the right system that perfectly matches your lifestyle, your needs, and your budget. A solar system isn't a one-size-fits-all appliance. It's a customised power plant for your home. Let's demystify the process and empower you to understand what you really need.

Step 1: The Foundation – Your Personal Energy Audit

The Journalist's Observation:

Most people start by looking at solar packages. But our expert tells me that’s like buying a car without knowing if you need to do the school run or transport building materials. The starting point isn't the hardware; it's you.

The Solar Expert's Guidance: Know What You Use

Before we can talk about kilowatts, we need to talk about your life. The first step is always a simple "energy audit." Grab a pen and paper and walk through your home.

1. List Your Appliances: Write down every single appliance you want to be able to use during a power cut or run on solar.

2. Categorize Them: Divide the list into two columns:

   • Essential Loads: These are the non-negotiables. Things like lights, the router for internet, the TV, security systems, and charging phones/laptops. For most, this also includes the refrigerator/freezer.

   • Heavy or Luxury Loads: These are the high-power items. Things like borehole pumps, swimming pool pumps, stoves, ovens, microwaves, air conditioners, and geysers.

3. Think About Timing: When do you use these items most? Is your main consumption during the day (when the sun is shining) or at night (when you'll rely on batteries)?

This simple list is the most valuable piece of data you can have.

Step 2: Find Your Profile – Matching a System to Your Lifestyle

The Journalist's Take:

Once you have your list, you can start to see where you fit. We’ve outlined a few common homeowner profiles to help you find your match.

The Solar Expert's System Profiles:

Profile 1: "The Essentials Backup"

• Who you are: You want to comfortably get through power cuts without disruption. Your goal is to keep the lights on, the internet running, the TV on for news and entertainment, and the fridge cold.

• What you run: Lights, Wi-Fi, TV, DSTV, security system, fridge/freezer, charging devices.

• System Size: This typically requires a smaller, efficient system. Often in the 3kVA to 5kVA range, paired with a modest battery bank. It's a highly effective and affordable entry into energy independence.

Profile 2: "The Modern Family Comfort"

• Who you are: You want all the essentials, plus the ability to run more of your daily life without worry. You might want to use the microwave, run the washing machine during the day, and power a home office.

• What you run: Everything in Profile 1, plus a borehole pump (for a limited time), a microwave, kitchen gadgets, and home office equipment (printers, extra screens).

• System Size: This is a significant step up. We're now looking at a robust system in the 5kVA to 8kVA range, with a larger battery bank to handle the increased load, especially the surge from a borehole pump.

Profile 3: "The 'All-In' Power User"

• Who you are: You want to be as grid-independent as possible. Your goal is to run almost everything in your house, including high-demand appliances. You may even want to cook on an electric stove or run an air conditioner.

• What you run: Everything in Profile 2, plus heavy loads like a stove plate (one or two), an electric oven, a swimming pool pump, or an air conditioning unit.

• System Size: This requires a serious power plant. We're typically in the 10kVA to 15kVA+ range, with a very large battery bank and a significant number of solar panels to meet this heavy demand. It's important to be realistic: running everything is possible, but it is a major investment.

Step 3: Understanding the Core Components

• The Inverter (The Brains - measured in kVA or kW): This determines how many appliances you can run at the same time. A 5kVA inverter can manage a total load of around 5,000 watts at once. This is why adding up the power of your appliances is key.

• The Batteries (The Tank - measured in kWh): This determines how long you can run your appliances when there's no sun. The more things you want to run at night, the bigger your battery bank needs to be.

• The Solar Panels (The Engine - measured in Watts): These recharge your batteries and power your home during the day. You need enough panels to run your daytime appliances and fully charge your batteries before the sun goes down.

The Final Word

The Journalist: It's clear that buying a solar system is a deeply personal decision. Taking the time to do your homework and understand your own consumption is the best way to avoid disappointment.

The Solar Expert: Exactly. This guide is your starting point. The next step is a conversation. Bring your appliance list to us. Our team will sit down with you, analyze your needs, and design a balanced system that gives you the power you need, the reliability you deserve, and the best possible return on your investment.

Don't guess when it comes to your energy future. Let's plan it together.

Visit us for a free, in-depth consultation:

📍 16 Beal Road, Belvedere, Harare

Contact our solar specialists today:

📞 +263 78 431 3713 | +263 71 409 0819 | 078 957 3484

🌐 www.leekabod.co.zw

📧 leekabodelectronics@gmail.com

Leekabod Electronics Is Your One-stop Shop for Everything Electronic, From The Latest Gadgets and Gizmos to the Essential Appliances.

Our Contact Numbers Are: +263 78 431 3713, +263 78 957 3484, +263 71 409 0819