How to Size a Solar System for Your UAE Home — Complete Guide
A correctly sized solar system maximises your savings without overspending on equipment you do not need. This guide walks you through the sizing process using your DEWA bill and UAE-specific factors.
Step 1: Determine Your Daily Energy Consumption
Your DEWA bill shows monthly consumption in kWh. Divide by 30 to get daily consumption.
| Monthly DEWA Bill | Monthly kWh (approx.) | Daily kWh |
|---|---|---|
| AED 200-400 | 400-800 kWh | 13-27 kWh |
| AED 400-800 | 800-1,600 kWh | 27-53 kWh |
| AED 800-1,500 | 1,600-3,000 kWh | 53-100 kWh |
| AED 1,500+ | 3,000+ kWh | 100+ kWh |
Step 2: Determine Target Solar Coverage
Most UAE homeowners target 70-100% solar coverage. Consider:
- 100% coverage: Eliminates electricity bill but requires larger system
- 80% coverage: Best balance of cost and savings for most homes
- 50% coverage: Good starting point for budget-conscious buyers
Step 3: Calculate System Size
System size (kW) = Daily consumption (kWh) x Coverage target / Peak sun hours / Efficiency
Example for a typical UAE villa (40 kWh/day, 80% coverage):
40 x 0.80 / 5.5 / 0.82 = 7.1 kW — choose an 8 kW system
Step 4: Calculate Panel Count
Divide system size by individual panel wattage:
8,000W / 550W per panel = 14.5 — choose 14-15 panels
Step 5: Size Your Inverter
The inverter should match or slightly exceed your panel array size:
- 8.05 kW of panels (14 x 575W) pairs well with the Deye SUN-8K-SG04LP3
- The inverter's max PV input of 10.4 kW gives room for future panel additions
Step 6: Size Your Battery (If Hybrid)
Battery sizing depends on your backup needs and self-consumption goals:
- Essential backup (4-6 hours): 5-10 kWh (1-2 Deye BOS-G modules)
- Extended backup (8-12 hours): 10-15 kWh (2-3 modules)
- Full day independence: 15-20 kWh (3-4 modules)
Quick Sizing Table
| Villa Size | DEWA Bill | System Size | Panels | Inverter | Battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-bed apartment | AED 300-500 | 3-5 kW | 6-9 | SUN-5K | 5 kWh |
| 3-bed villa | AED 500-900 | 6-8 kW | 11-14 | SUN-8K | 10 kWh |
| 4-bed villa | AED 900-1,500 | 8-12 kW | 14-22 | SUN-10K/12K | 15 kWh |
| 5+ bed villa | AED 1,500+ | 12-20 kW | 22-36 | SUN-12K+ | 20 kWh |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate what size solar system I need?
Divide your daily kWh consumption (from DEWA bill) by 5.5 peak sun hours and 0.82 efficiency factor, then multiply by your coverage target (typically 0.8 for 80%). For a villa using 40 kWh/day at 80% coverage: 40 x 0.8 / 5.5 / 0.82 = 7.1 kW — choose an 8 kW system.
How many solar panels do I need for a 3-bedroom villa in Dubai?
A typical 3-bedroom villa in Dubai uses 25-40 kWh daily (AED 500-900 DEWA bill). This requires a 6-8 kW system with 11-14 solar panels (550W each), a Deye SUN-8K inverter, and 10 kWh battery storage for a complete hybrid setup.
What size battery do I need for my solar system?
For essential backup (4-6 hours of lights, fridge, internet): 5 kWh (1 Deye BOS-G). For extended backup including AC: 10-15 kWh (2-3 modules). For near-complete independence: 15-20 kWh (3-4 modules). Most UAE homes choose 10 kWh as a practical balance.
