How Many Solar Panels Are Needed To Run A House?
One of the most common inquiries when homeowners are deciding to go solar, is regarding the size of the system. Data from a few different sources determine what size home solar system is needed to run your house. We can help guide your decision depending on what your energy goals are.
Calculating Home Solar System Size
The amount of energy your home currently uses will be a significant first factor. A common misconception is that your home size does not necessarily determine the number of solar panels you need. In other words, a bigger home does not always equal more energy consumption. A solar consultant will look at your monthly kilowatt-hours (kWh) used as stated on your electric bill. Most utility providers list your total energy consumption for the last twelve months on your monthly bill, so averaging it out won't be complicated. But to understand how much power you'll need is not only based on what you now use but will also depend on any upgrades you may plan on having done. If adding a swimming pool or the purchase of an electric car (EV) is in your future, this will increase your energy consumption.
Yearly Sunshine Needed To Power A House
The second group of factors is based on the climate you live in. Fewer solar panels are needed to generate the energy required for your home if you live in a state that receives lots of sunshine. The good news for homeowners living in Southern California is that the average amount of yearly sunlight here is significantly higher than that of the rest of the country. Since the Southwest gets the most sun in the United States, versus living in a place like the Northeast, your investment in solar goes a lot further in terms of efficiency and decreases your solar payback period.
In addition to your geographic location on the globe, the direction your roof faces is a factor in determining the number of solar panels you need. A south-facing roof will receive more direct sunlight if you are living in the northern hemisphere. This means that even the side of the street you live on could increase or decrease the number of solar panels needed to run your home.
Solar Panel System Performance
A final factor in sizing your home solar system is the wattage the solar panels you purchase can produce. This is referred to as panel performance or the panel's efficiency rating. On average, a homeowner needs between 28 to 34 solar panels to offset their electricity bill with solar energy. Since not all panels are created equal, installing highly efficient panels means you will need less of them. A higher efficiency rating for a solar panel also means a lower amount of square footage of roof space required in order to produce electricity.
Going solar may seem like a complicated decision, and to be truthful sometimes it can be. We've been doing this for over a decade and have seen it all, so if you have questions, let us know, and we'll do our best to answer them.
