Want to install some solar panels? That’s a great idea to save on energy bills. They also help contribute to a cleaner environment. But how many solar panels would it take to power a house?
Don’t jump into decisions yet! This article will explore the factors determining the number of panels, from energy consumption to roof size, to help you make the right choice. So, let’s read on to discover!
How Many Solar Panels Would It Take To Power A House?
You need about 17 to 30 solar panels to power your house. The formula below helps you calculate the exact number required:
Number of panels = System size ÷ (Production ratio x Panel wattage)
As you can see, this formula considers three key factors. Let us help you break it down!
1. You can calculate the number of panels :
System Size
- System size refers to the amount of energy your home uses, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh).
- According to EIA, the average home in the US consumes about 10,791 kWh of electricity a year, which equals 900 kWh a month. Many people use this number as a starting point to estimate the size of their solar panel system.
- If you need a more accurate figure based on your specific energy consumption, you can check your electric bills last year.
Production Ratio
- The production ratio of a solar panel system measures how much energy it produces compared to its size. This ratio changes according to how much sunlight your system gets.
- For example, if you have a 5-kilowatt system that generates about 7,500 kWh of electricity a year, the production ratio would be: 7,500 ÷ 5,000 = 1.5.
- Production ratios in the US usually range from 0.9 to 1.6. These numbers can act as a general guide for your calculations.
Panel Wattage
- Panel wattage, or power rating, tells you how much electricity your solar panel can produce under perfect conditions, measured in watts (W). Most solar panels generate between 300 and 400 W.
- Now, let’s review the formula and see how it really works. If your home uses 12,000 kWh of electricity per year, the production ratio of your system is 1.4, and you plan to use 350-watt solar panels, here is how you would calculate the number of panels required:
Number of panels = 12,000 ÷ (1.3 x 350) = 26.37 - So, you need around 27 solar panels to power your home.
2. The number of panels for your house :
Factors That Determine How Many Solar Panels You’ll Need
Some other factors may also affect how many solar panels you need for your home. Here is what to look at:
Climate
The weather conditions in your area influences how much sunlight your solar panels receive and how much energy they can generate. In regions with less consistent sunlight, you will need more panels.
For example, Hawaii gets plenty of sunlight year-round, while New England has fewer sunny days. Hence, homes in New English would need more solar panels.
Your Home Size
The size of your house also plays a vital role here. A 2,000-square-foot house might use around 800 kWh per month. On the other hand, a 4,000-square-foot house could consume about 1,600 kWh. So, larger homes require more solar panels to meet their energy needs.
3. Consider how big your home is :
Roof Space
The number of solar panels you can install depends on how much space you have on your roof. If the roof is small or has an odd shape, you should focus on how powerful and efficient the panels are.
On the other hand, if you have a big roof, you can go with less efficient panels because you have room for more.
Solar Panel Size
There are three primary sizes of solar panels as follows:
- 60 cells: 66 x 39 inches (Height x Width)
- 72 cells: 77 x 39 inches
- 96 cells: 62.6 x 41.5 inches
Panels with more cells are bigger and produce more power per panel. Thus, you may need fewer of them to suit your needs. But remember, they require more roof area and may not fit well on small roofs.
Appliances
Different appliances have different energy needs. For example, a refrigerator requires less electricity to run than an air conditioner. Then, you need more solar panels to run your powerful air conditioner.
Besides, adding appliances like heat pumps and electric vehicles can increase energy consumption. Hence, when installing the system, it would be best to plan for your future energy needs to ensure it meets your demands.
4. Assess how much power your appliances need :
Conclusion
You need to consider several factors, such as your energy consumption, the amount of sunlight, and home size, to determine “How many panels would it take to power a house?“.
Solar panels help you cut down on your utility bills and contribute to an eco-friendly future. If you need further guidance, do not hesitate to contact us today!
FAQs
1. Can I run my whole house on solar power?
Yes. The advanced solar energy system and power storage solutions make it more affordable and practical than ever to rely solely on solar energy.
2. Do solar panels affect my home insurance?
Yes. Most home insurance providers now cover solar panels in their standard policies. Insurers consider the panels part of the home’s structure, like the walls or roof, not an expensive addition. To be sure, you can check with your insurance provider to confirm that your policy covers the solar panels.
3. Are solar panels suitable for my home?
It depends on multiple factors, such as:
- Climate: Solar panels work best at ambient temperatures of around 77 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Shade and tree cover: Trees and other obstructions may reduce the efficiency of the panels.
- Roof size and shape: The slope, shape, and size of your roof impact solar panel installation.
- Roof conditions: A damaged roof may not be ideal for solar panels.
References:
https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/solar/how-many-solar-panels/
https://www.energysage.com/solar/how-many-solar-panels-do-i-need/