With increasing interest in cleaner energy, it’s no wonder more homeowners are installing solar panels for house to lower energy bills and be more eco-friendly. A very commonly asked question by those who are interested in going solar is, “How many solar panels will I need to power my house?” The response to that question will depend on many factors, including your energy consumption, your location, the size of your roof, and the efficiency of your system.
This guide will walk you through what determines the right number of solar panels for houses and help you understand the best way to size your home solar system.
Understanding Your Energy Consumption
To begin to estimate how many solar panels for houses you’ll need, first take a look at your household’s electricity use. Energy used is usually billed in units of kilowatt-hours (kWh) on your bill.
Average US household: ~10,500 kWh a year
That works out to around 875 kWh a month.
The more electricity you consume, the more solar power you’ll need to produce — and that means more panels.
What Determines How Many Solar Panels You’ll Need to Install
Several key variables determine how many solar panels a house needs:
1. Location and Sunlight Hours
Where you are: Solar efficiency and output are greatly determined by where you call home. Sunlight Use // States like California, Arizona, and Nevada receive more sunlight, so fewer panels are required to produce the same amount of energy.
More sunlight = fewer panels
Less sunshine = more panels to make up the difference
2. Solar Panel Wattage
Most of the residential panels range from 350 to 450 watts. Higher-wattage panels can produce more power in less space, which can be ideal for smaller roofs.
3. Roof Size and Angle
Ideally, you want a south-facing roof that is not too heavily shaded. If you have minimal space or your panels are shaded for a large portion of the day, you'll need higher efficiency panels to produce enough power to keep the lights on.
Helping You Size Your Solar System Right
The necessary of solar panels needed for a house varies, so it’s wise to work with experienced experts when determining how many solar panels you’ll need. Simply Solar is known as a solar supplier with a personal touch. Their team relies on the latest technology and site-specific information to prescribe the exact number of solar panels that your home requires, leaving you time, money, and energy to spare.
With Simply Solar, we also make sure your panels are installed effectively, so you get peak performance for years to come.
Additional Considerations
Before you determine how many solar panels you need for your house, take a look at:
- Future energy needs: Planning to buy an electric vehicle or even a hot tub? Size your system accordingly.
- Battery storage: You can store the energy your solar system generates if you add solar batteries to your system, to use at night or during power outages.
- Net metering: You can sell surplus electricity back to the grid in many states, which might lower the number of panels you need.
- Incentives and rebates: Federal and local incentives can also help reduce the cost of solar.
- Conclusion
The number of solar panels for houses you’ll need can be calculated based on your energy consumption habits, home location, and system goals. One thing’s clear, and that’s while the average home will need 12 to 20 panels, the number for specific homes will deviate. Review your power bill and consult with the experts at places like Simply Solar, and you can have a system that suits your home. Making the switch to solar is a smart financial decision for your wallet and the planet.
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