Solar panels are a great way to reduce energy costs and carbon footprint. However, before you purchase and install solar panels, you must understand how they work and how many you will need to power your home.
Are you considering solar panels for your home but not sure how many you need? This guide will help you determine the number of solar panels you need to power your home.
How Many Solar Panels Do You Need for Your Home?
The number of solar panels you need to power your home depends on a few factors, including the size of your home, the average amount of sunlight it receives, and your electricity usage. A typical home requires between 20 and 40 panels to generate enough solar energy to cover its needs.
Here are some essential things you must know about these factors:
1. The Amount of Energy Your Home Needs
Calculating your home’s energy usage is the first step in determining how many solar panels you need. Your energy usage is the amount of electricity you use in a day, week, month, or year.
You will need to gather your most recent electric bills to calculate your energy usage. Once you have your bills, you need to calculate the average electricity you use per day, week, month, or year.
2. The Amount of Sunlight Your Area Receives
Next, you will need to determine how much sunlight your area receives. The amount of sunlight your area receives will determine how efficient your solar panels will be.
You can use a solar insolation map to find out how much sunlight your area receives. Solar insolation maps show the amount of sun an area gets on a daily basis.
3. The Size of Your Roof
The size of your roof is the next factor you will need to consider when determining how many solar panels you need. The size of your roof will determine the maximum number of solar panels you can install.
To determine the size of your roof, you can use a tape measure or ruler to measure the length and width of your roof in feet. Once you have the measurements, you can calculate the square footage by multiplying the length by the width.
4. The Wattages of Available Solar Panels
Solar panels come in a variety of sizes and wattages. The size of the solar panel is determined by the length and width, while the wattage is determined by the amount of power it produces.
When determining how many solar panels you need, you will need to consider both the size and wattage of the panels. The larger the panel, the more power it produces. However, larger panels also take up more space on your roof.
The wattages of available solar panels can range from as low as 10 watts to as high as 400 watts. You will need to determine how much power you need for your home before choosing the right solar panel for your needs.
Final Thoughts
Solar installation is a great way to save money on your energy bill and help the environment. However, before you install solar \panels, it is crucial to determine how many you will need for your home.
The size of your home, the amount of sunlight it receives, and your energy usage will all play a role in determining the number of solar panels you need. Once you have determined how many panels you need, you can begin shopping for the best deals.
If you need a solar home system in Bakersfield, ARC Energy Solutions is here to help you. We’ll take the world of solar to the next level, helping you switch to renewable energy while ensuring competitive prices and stellar customer service. Message us today for a free quote.