Solar panels are a great way to decrease the amount of electricity your home uses. But how many solar panels do you need for your house?
The more solar panels you have, the more electricity you can generate for your house, and the less you will have to rely on the electric company.
Here’s a quick guide to help you determine how many and the benefits of solar panels you need for your home.
So How Many Solar Panels Do I Need?
It’s a common question and one that requires a bit of analysis. The answer depends on a few factors, including the size of your home, your energy needs, and the climate you live in.
Know Your Average Energy Usage
Homeowners who want to install solar panels should start by estimating their average energy usage.
The average U.S. household uses about 900 kWh of electricity per month, so that’s about 27 solar panels to completely offset your electricity usage.
Measure Your Home Size
When considering how many solar panels to get for your home, the first step is to measure your home’s size. The average home is around 1,500 square feet, which means you’ll need around 15-20 solar panels to power your home.
The average home has about 28 square feet of roofing, so a rule of thumb is to install about one watt of home solar panels for each square foot of roofing. There are a lot of solar panel options you can choose to save space and money, research to get the best services and avoid damage to your home during installation.
Find the Sunniest Region (Of your Home)
To figure out the sunniest region of your home, look at a solar insolation map. This map will show you how much sun your home receives on an average day before buying solar panels.
The more sun your home receives, the more home solar panels you will need to generate enough energy to meet your needs.
In most cases, it’s best to work with a professional solar installer to determine how many panels you need. If you’re in Minneapolis, you’re in luck as the areas there have superb solar exposure perfect for solar panels, as well statewide net metering.
You can visit Blue Raven Solar on their website, blueravensolar.com/minnesota/residential-solar-installer-in-minneapolis/ for an accurate quote and information about solar panel efficiency.
Know The Wattage You Need From Your Panel
As a general rule of thumb, most homeowners should get at least 1 kilowatt (1,000 watts) of solar power for their homes. This is especially true if you live in a warm climate or your home has a lot of south-facing windows.
If you live in a cold climate, you may need more solar panels to offset the increased electricity usage from heating your home. Even if you live in a cold climate, though, you can still experience the same benefits of solar panels as in warmer areas.
When To Know It’s Too Little or Too Much
If you’re considering how many solar panels to use for your home, the best way to figure out how many to get is to contact a reputable solar company for a consultation.
Not all solar panels are equal, so always consult with professionals, research or even ask people you know are familiar before buying solar panels. They’ll help you figure out how much electricity you use and how much sunlight your home gets to give you an accurate estimate.
Make sure to check out the rest of our blogs for more information and how it can help your home.
