Did you know that there are 40-year-old solar panels that are still operational with 80% or more efficiency?
Solar power is an excellent and environmentally-friendly way to reduce your power bills and create energy. But it can be tough to know if you have enough solar panels to cover your energy needs.
Is there a rule of thumb for calculating how many solar panels are needed to run a house? Let’s explore what you need to know.
Calculate Your Power Needs
When figuring out how many home solar panels to get, it is important to calculate your power needs. You can do this by figuring out your daily power consumption and multiplying that by the number of sunshine hours in your area. This will give you an approximate power requirement in wattage.
Additionally, you should look at your electric bills over the past year to get an idea of your household’s typical energy consumption. Use that to decide how many solar panels will be optimal for your home. With the right amount of research, you can determine the perfect number of panels for your home’s overall energy requirements.
Consider Solar Angle and Horizon Position
A solar panel’s efficiency depends on the angle at which sunlight hits the panel. A steeper angle, which is determined by your home’s location and orientation, will result in more efficient solar panel performance.
Also, the higher your house’s horizon position, the more direct sunlight will hit the panel. Orientation and shading also play key parts in maximizing solar efficiency.
If the orientation is west facing and the house is in shade, more panels may be required to gain satisfactory energy production. On the other hand, if the orientation is more north-easterly and the house has free and clear access to the sun then fewer panels may suffice.
To gather accurate information, you can hire an installer who can measure your home’s solar angle and horizon position. This way you can be sure you are getting the right amount of solar panels and they will perform at the highest efficiency possible.
Evaluate Solar Panel Efficiency
Generally, a single solar panel can provide approximately 200-350 watts of power. This means that a household needing 2,000-4,000 watts of power will need 10-20 panels.
To evaluate a solar panel’s efficiency, you should also consider its type, size, and cost. The higher the efficiency, the lower the number of panels you need to supply the same amount of energy. You should also consider the cost of solar panel installation, the amount of space available, and the availability of incentives when making a decision on the number of solar panels to install.
With the right number of panels, you can enjoy the tremendous benefits of solar and start saving on your electricity bill. Click here for more info on the benefits of going solar.
Knowing How Many Solar Panels You’ll Need
Solar panels are an excellent way to save money and reduce your carbon footprint. Depending on the size of your home and your energy needs, the number of solar panels required will vary.
Ultimately, the best way to determine how many solar panels you should get for your house is to contact an experienced professional and set up a consultation today. Together, you can determine the best option for your unique situation.
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