The key idea
Size the system for the loads that run regularly in daylight, not for the busiest week in August. Pool filtration and much of the cooling can run at midday, so they can be covered directly by solar.
Pool filtration
A pool pump runs for several hours a day for much of the year. Moving those hours to the middle of the day is one of the easiest solar wins. A variable-speed pump cuts consumption further.
Pool heating
A pool heat pump is a big seasonal load in spring and autumn. We size it and the solar together. See pool heating.
Air conditioning
Cooling peaks in the afternoon, when solar is strong. Evening and night cooling needs grid power or a battery. Zoning and pre-cooling in the afternoon help.
Don't size for the peak
Sizing to the July–August bill often means large exports the rest of the year. We look at all twelve months.
Typical villa systems
Many pool villas on the coast end up with 5 to 10 kWp, sometimes with a battery for evening cooling. Large villas can be bigger.
Questions we are often asked
Can solar run my pool pump?
Yes, during the day, alongside other loads.
Will solar cover all my air conditioning?
A good share of daytime cooling. Evening cooling needs a battery or the grid.