To determine the size of a photovoltaic (PV) panel

1. Determine Daily Energy Consumption

First, we need to calculate how much energy the 800W solar street light

· Assuming the light operates for 10 hours per night:

Daily Energy Consumption (Wh)=Power (W)×Hours of OperationDaily Energy Consumption (Wh)=Power (W)×Hours of Operation

· 

Daily Energy Consumption=800×10ℎ=8000 ℎ or 8ℎDaily Energy Consumption=800W×10h=8000Wh or 8kWh

· 

2. Calculate Required Solar Panel Output

Next, we need to determine how much energy the solar

· Assuming an average of 5 peak sunlight hours per day (this can vary based on location):

Required Panel Output (W)=Daily Energy Consumption (Wh)Peak Sunlight HoursRequired Panel Output (W)=Peak Sunlight HoursDaily Energy Consumption (Wh)

· 

Required Panel Output=8000 ℎ5ℎ=1600 Required Panel Output=5h8000Wh=1600W

· 

3. Consider Panel Efficiency

Solar panels are

· If we assume a 20% efficiency:

Adjusted Required Panel Output=Required Panel OutputEfficiencyAdjusted Required Panel Output=EfficiencyRequired Panel Output

· 

Adjusted Required Panel Output=1600 0.20=8000 Adjusted Required Panel Output=0.201600W=8000W

· 

4. Determine the Number of Panels

Now, if you are using standard solar panels,

· For example, using 400W panels:

Number of Panels=Adjusted Required Panel OutputPanel WattageNumber of Panels=Panel WattageAdjusted Required Panel Output

· 

Number of Panels=8000 400 20 panelsNumber of Panels=400W8000W=20 panels

· 

Conclusion

To power an 800W solar street light for 10 hours a night, you would need approximately **20 solar panels rated at 400W each, assuming an average of 5 peak sunlight hours and accounting for a 20% efficiency loss

Keep in mind that these calculations can vary based on local conditions, the specific energy needs of the light