Emissions from fossil fuels used to produce electricity are a major contributor to global warming. You can do your bit to save the planet by going solar and reducing your dependency on the grid.
How many solar panels their home requires is one of the first questions that comes to a homeowner’s mind when they think of going solar. This is an important question to understand because if you use fewer solar panels than required, your solar system will fail to meet your energy needs. On the other hand, a larger-than-required solar system will cost you more and will also take up unnecessary space on your roof.
The average US home will need between 21 and 34 solar panels at a minimum of 369 sq. ft. of roof space. The calculation is based on the following assumptions:
- The homeowner uses the solar system to meet all of their household energy needs
- The system consists of 280-watt solar panels
- Amount of energy used = average monthly electricity consumption (of 877 kWh)
When determining the number of solar panels you need, consider important factors such as your monthly and yearly power usage, local climate, and solar panel quality.
Your Monthly and Yearly Power Consumption
To determine your average monthly power usage, take a look at your electricity bill. Think about how your life circumstances may change and how they can impact your energy usage.
For example, if you plan to install a hot water tub, a high-end entertainment system, or major computer hardware upgrades or installations, your energy consumption will increase down the road.
Set a solar power production goal. Determine how much of your current energy usage you want to offset with solar. For example, if your household uses 1,000 kWh of energy every month and you want to offset 80 percent of the total energy consumed with solar power, you’ll need a system that produces 800 kWh per month.
Local Climate
One of the most important factors that will determine the efficiency of your system is the amount of sunlight it receives. Some areas get more direct sunlight than others because of their location.
A solar system located in an area that receives say 100 days of sunlight is likely to produce more energy than a system located in an area that receives 50 days of sunlight. Consider the amount of sunlight your solar panels will receive to determine the number of panels you will need.
In Vacaville, sunlight is not a limiting factor as we have around 260 sunny days a year, which means your system might be able to produce more energy even with fewer panels than a solar system located in a city with a lesser number of sunny days than Vacaville.
Panel Quality
The efficiency of a solar panel is primarily determined by the cell technology used. For example, some panels lack grid lines and can trap more sunlight than others. The more efficient your panels, the more energy they can produce and the fewer you will need.
Have your solar panels installed by a reputable solar panel company near you. Make sure your panels can withstand high winds and are resistant to the elements.
Cozy Home Services is a renowned solar panel installer in Vacaville. Whether you need help choosing the right solar system for your home or want to create a maintenance plan for your system, our team has got you covered.
