Solar Array Sizing Calculator

Volume I · May 2026 · 742 words

This calculator estimates the number of solar panels required to charge a portable power station based on daily energy consumption, your location's peak sun hours, and the wattage of panels under consideration. Results assume ideal orientation and no partial shading — real-world output is typically 15–30% below the calculated estimate. See our constrained space guide for deployment considerations.

Daily energy consumption (watt-hours) Peak sun hours per day Panel wattage (W) Battery capacity (Wh) — for charge time estimate

—

panels needed (accounting for 20% system derating)

— total array wattage

— estimated charge time at full sun

Reference Load Table

Typical daily energy consumption for common devices during an outage:

Device	Watts
Refrigerator (Energy Star, 18 cu ft)	150
LED light bulb	10
Laptop computer	60
Wi-Fi router + modem	15
CPAP machine (without humidifier)	40
CPAP machine (with humidifier)	70
Smartphone charger	10
Television (42-inch LED)	80
Box fan (high setting)	70
Microwave (per 3-minute cycle)	1,000