Taking your first steps with solar can feel like a big leap, but the most reliable way to begin is to keep it small and focused. Instead of trying to power an entire home, start with a single, clear goal: keep a phone charged on a weekend camping trip, run a small LED light during a power outage, or simply learn how solar works with a tiny panel and a USB power bank. This article walks you through a simple, five-step process to decide what you need, list your devices, estimate daily energy use, compare that with what a small panel might produce, and spot scam warning signs before you buy.

Short version: Decide on a simple goal, list your devices, estimate daily watt-hours, compare with local solar potential using a tool like PVWatts, and watch for scam warning signs before buying.

Step 1: Decide on a small, clear goal

Many beginners find it helpful to pick one modest task for their first solar setup. Charging a smartphone, powering a single LED lamp, or running a small fan are all realistic starting points. Keeping the goal small helps you understand the basics without getting overwhelmed. Once you have a working system, you can always expand later. The key is to define exactly what you want to power and for how many hours each day.

Step 2: List your devices and find their wattage

Write down every device you plan to run from your solar setup. For each one, you need to know how many watts it uses. According to the Virginia Cooperative Extension, the wattage of most appliances is stamped on the bottom or back of the device, or on its nameplate. If the wattage is not listed, you can estimate it by finding the current draw in amperes and multiplying that by the voltage used by the appliance. Most household devices in the United States use 120 volts, while larger appliances like clothes dryers use 240 volts. The amperes might be stamped on the unit in place of the wattage. If not, you can use a clamp-on ammeter to measure the current while the device is running, but make sure you follow the manufacturer’s safety recommendations.

For small, portable electronics such as phones, tablets, or LED lights, the wattage is often printed on the charger or in the product manual. Use the numbers from your own devices rather than guesses.

Step 3: Estimate daily watt-hours

Once you have the wattage for each device, estimate how many hours per day you will use it. The Virginia Cooperative Extension offers a straightforward formula: (Wattage × Hours Used per Day ÷ 1000) = Daily Kilowatt-hour (kWh) consumption. For small solar projects, it is often easier to work in watt-hours (Wh) instead of kilowatt-hours. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) explains that one Watthour is the energy of one Watt used for one hour. For example, a 40-Watt light bulb used for five hours consumes 200 Wh, or 0.2 kWh.

To calculate your daily need, multiply each device’s wattage by the hours you plan to run it, then add up all the results. As a simple example, a 10 W device used for 3 hours would need 30 Wh. A 5 W LED light used for 4 hours would need 20 Wh. Together, that is 50 Wh per day. This total is your target: the amount of energy your solar panel and battery need to supply each day.

Keep in mind that some appliances, like refrigerators, cycle on and off. The Virginia Cooperative Extension notes that to estimate the number of hours a refrigerator actually operates at its maximum wattage, you divide the total time it is plugged in by three. For a first small solar project, however, it is usually simpler to stick with devices that run steadily, such as lights or phone chargers.

Step 4: Compare with what a small panel might produce

Solar panels do not produce their rated wattage all day long. The U.S. Energy Information Administration states that solar energy resources vary by location, time of day, latitude, climate, and weather patterns. Clouds, dust, pollution, and shading from buildings or trees all affect how much sunlight reaches a panel. Seasonal variations also increase the farther you are from the equator.

To get a rough idea of how much energy a panel could generate at your location, you can use the PVWatts calculator provided by the National Laboratory of the Rockies. PVWatts estimates the energy production of grid-connected photovoltaic systems using weather data from the NLR National Solar Radiation Database, and its expected output range is based on 30 years of weather data. It allows homeowners and small building owners to develop estimates of potential PV installations. However, the calculator’s predictions include inherent assumptions and uncertainties and do not reflect variations between different PV technologies or site-specific characteristics beyond what you input. For a small portable panel, you can use PVWatts as a starting point, but remember that actual output will vary with local conditions and the panel’s orientation.

Compare the daily watt-hours you calculated in Step 3 with the estimated daily output from a small panel in your area. As a made-up example, if your devices need 50 Wh per day and your estimate for a small panel at your location comes out comfortably above that on the days you plan to use it, you have a reasonable match. If the numbers are far apart, you may need a larger panel, more battery storage, or a smaller energy goal.

Step 5: Check claims before you buy

Before you purchase any solar equipment, watch for warning signs of scams. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) cautions that offers of “free” or “no cost” solar panels are scams. The federal government does not install solar systems in homes for free. Scammers may claim to be from your utility company or the government and promise big savings or rebates that do not exist. They often use high-pressure tactics, demanding immediate payment or asking for personal information online to “see if you qualify.” The FTC advises that legitimate businesses and government agencies do not pressure you to act immediately and will not tell you to pay with cash, gift cards, wire transfers, payment apps, or cryptocurrency. If an offer sounds too good to be true, take your time and verify it independently.

Summary of the five steps

The table below brings together each step, the key question you need to answer, and where to find the number you need.

Step Question to Answer Where to Find the Number
1. Decide goal What do I want to power and for how long? Your own needs (e.g., phone, light, fan)
2. List devices How many watts does each device use? Nameplate on device, manual, or amperes × voltage
3. Estimate daily Wh How many watt-hours per day? Formula: Watts × Hours (Virginia Cooperative Extension, EIA)
4. Compare with solar potential How much energy can a small panel produce at my location? PVWatts calculator (National Laboratory of the Rockies)
5. Check claims Is the offer too good to be true? FTC scam warning signs

What to do next

Once you have a rough energy estimate and a realistic goal, the next step is to understand the specifications of solar panels, power banks, and portable power stations. Our guide on Reading Specifications explains the key numbers to look for. For a broader overview of the whole beginner journey, see How to Start With Solar Power: A Step-by-Step Path. If you want to explore more about small, portable setups, visit Portable Solar Basics. The parent section Learn Solar Step by Step also offers a structured path for newcomers.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a large solar panel to get started?

No. Starting small is a practical way to learn. A compact portable panel can charge a phone or run a small light, and you can expand later. The key is to match your panel’s output with your daily watt-hour estimate.

How accurate are online solar calculators?

The PVWatts calculator from the National Laboratory of the Rockies provides estimates based on 30 years of weather data, but it includes inherent assumptions and uncertainties. It does not account for differences between specific PV modules or site-specific shading beyond what you input. Use it as a starting point, not a precise prediction.

What are common scam warning signs when shopping for solar?

The Federal Trade Commission warns that “free” or “no cost” solar panel offers are scams. Watch for high-pressure sales tactics, demands for immediate payment, and requests for personal information online. The federal government does not install solar systems in homes for free, and legitimate companies do not ask for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.

For more beginner-friendly guidance, visit our First Steps section, where you will find additional resources to help you plan your first solar project.

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