Only three percent of energy in the U.S. was solar powered, but those numbers are rising as more and more people look for climate-friendly energy alternatives.
Are you wondering how many solar panels you’ll need to get your home properly covered? Read on for all the important solar panel facts you need.
Electricity Consumption
The amount of solar panels needed for your home depend will depend on your electricity consumption. The higher the consumption, the more solar panels you will need to generate enough electricity to meet your needs.
For a small home with low electricity consumption (less than 10 kWh per day), a 1-2 kW solar panel system with 4-8 solar panels may be sufficient.
For an average-sized home with moderate electricity consumption (around 20 kWh per day), a 3-4 kW solar panel system with 12-16 solar panels may be required.
For a large home with high electricity consumption (more than 30 kWh per day), a 5-8 kW solar panel system with 20-32 solar panels may be needed.
Roof Size
You’ll also need to consider the size and layout of your roof, as well as the size and orientation of the solar panels you choose to install. Generally, a 1 kW solar panel system requires around 100 square feet of roof space.
Solar Panel Efficiency
Solar panel efficiency is another important factor that can impact the number of solar panels needed to power a house. It refers to the sunlight that is converted into electricity by a solar panel. The higher the rating, the more electricity the panel can generate.
If you choose high-efficiency solar panels, you may need fewer panels to generate the same power compared to lower-efficiency panels.
For a small home with low electricity consumption, you may need 8-12 solar panels with an efficiency rating of around 15%.
For an average-sized home with moderate electricity consumption, you may need 16-24 solar panels with an efficiency rating of around 18%.
For a large home with high electricity consumption, you may need 24-40 solar panels with an efficiency rating of around 20%. While you’ll be paying more money by investing in that many panels, you’ll also save money switching to solar.
Getting an Estimate For Solar Panels
To get a proper estimate of the number of solar panels you need, there are certain steps you can follow.
Determine your daily energy consumption in kilowatt-hours (kWh) by looking at your utility bills or using an online calculator.
Check the solar irradiance (the amount of sunlight available in your area) using a solar panel production calculator.
Determine the solar panel size you want to install and its efficiency rating. The most common panel size is 300-400 watts, but this can vary.
Calculate the number of panels you need by dividing your daily energy consumption by the production rate of a single panel.
For example, if you consume 30 kWh per day and have 400-watt solar panels that produce an average of 1.5 kWh per day, you would need around 20 panels to meet your daily energy needs.
It’s worth noting that some factors may affect the output of solar panels, such as shading and weather conditions. It’s best to consult with a solar professional who can help you out.
How Many Solar Panels? Now You Know
Hopefully, you now have some idea of how many solar panels you’ll need for your home.
Do you need more home and financial advice? Read through some of our useful articles on solar power and so much more.
Sharon Howe is a creative person with diverse talents. She writes engaging articles for WonderWorldSpace.com, where she works as a content writer. Writing allows Sharon to inform and captivate readers. Additionally, Sharon pursues music as a hobby, which allows her to showcase her artistic abilities in another creative area.