How Many Solar Panels Do I Need to Power My Home

Have you been following trends in renewable energy? If so, you know how popular solar power and alternative energy systems have become.

Many homeowners all over the country are going green with solar panels. They’re choosing to make the switch to renewable energy to lower their bills over the long term.

Over 2 million homes in the U.S. have installed solar electric systems, and this rate is expected to increase well into the future.

If you’re thinking about installing a solar system, this guide can help. It answers a few main questions that clarify how to know how many panels you’d need.

What Are Your Energy Needs?

The number of solar panels you’ll need to go green will depend on several factors. It’s impossible to settle on a fixed number based on your home’s roof area alone.

Solar installers base their calculations on a household’s individual energy needs. They consider how much electricity will be used for daily activities each month, plus seasonal energy demands due to hot and cold weather.

If you’ve already lived in your home for a year, it’ll be easy to calculate your power needs from your monthly or quarterly bills. It’s also possible to estimate how much electricity you’ll need to run common appliances like a refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, etc.

How Many Hours of Sunlight Are Available In Your Area?

Another factor that determines how many solar panels you’ll need is the amount of sun your area receives.

If you live in a rainy climate with heavy cloud cover, you may need to install a few more panels. If you live in a sunny area like Arizona or Denver, you may be able to generate more than enough power with slightly fewer panels.

Living near the equator, which gets a lot of sun year-round, also helps. The closer you are to the equator, the more you’ll be able to get long hours of peak sunshine to charge your home solar system.

What Is the Size and Slope of Your Roof?

The angle of your roof and the total available area both matter for how much solar energy can be generated.

If your roof angle is not ideal for catching the sun’s rays, the panels may be adjusted to compensate. Another option would be to install more panels if there’s enough room.

If your roof is large, you could install less expensive panels in a greater quantity than you’d use for a small roof.

The average single-family home in North America needs between 21-34 solar panels to power everything without interruptions. Fortunately, there’s room to make adjustments based on budget, location, roof type, and sun characteristics.

Going Green With Solar

Going green is a wise home improvement strategy. Installing solar panels is one of the best sustainable living decisions you can make. It will save you money and increase the value of your home.

When you’re ready to switch to sustainable energy, start by estimating how many solar panels you’ll need. You may be surprised by how affordable solar can be!

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