Sizing Up Solar for Your Home
Going solar is a great way to reduce your environmental footprint and lower your energy costs. But how do you know how many solar panels you need for your home? It’s an important question since the right number of panels can help you achieve the most effective and efficient results. Read on to learn more about sizing up solar for your home
Calculating Your Solar Panel Needs
Before you decide how many solar panels you need, it’s important to understand the basics of solar electricity. Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems convert the sun’s light into electricity—and they are sized according to watts (W). A watt is a measure of power, and solar panel wattage indicates how much energy a panel can produce under ideal conditions. To calculate your total wattage needs, add up all of the wattage from each electrical appliance that will be running throughout the day. This includes lights, appliances, HVAC systems, and any other electronic devices that are part of your daily routine.
As a rule of thumb, one kilowatt (kW) of solar PV modules can generate between 3-4 kWh per day in most locations around the US—but this number can vary based on where you live due to factors like climate and weather patterns. Once you have determined the estimated amount of energy that will be used each day, figure out what size system will be needed to counteract those demands with renewable energy from the sun. It’s also important to factor in additional space for growth in future years as well as expansion plans such as adding an electric car or pool pump down the line.
Installing Your Solar Array
Once you have determined what size system is appropriate for your home, it’s time to install it! The installation process depends on whether or not you opt for a professional installer or if you plan on taking on this project yourself. If you decide to go with a professional installer, they will take care of everything from obtaining permits and interconnection agreements with utilities companies to designing and installing a customized system that meets all applicable codes and standards in your area. If doing it yourself is more appealing, make sure that all local regulations are met before beginning construction on any part of an array so as not to run into any unnecessary legal issues down the road.
Conclusion:
The process of figuring out how many solar panels you need for your home doesn’t have to feel overwhelming; with just a few simple steps, anyone can properly size up their system and begin reaping the rewards associated with going green! All it takes is calculating your total wattage needs based off daily usage habits; factoring in climate and weather patterns; determining what size system would best fit those demands; then finally installing either professionally or by yourself depending on which route feels more comfortable for each individual homeowner. By following these guidelines homeowners should be able to easily determine their perfect solar setup!
