Did you know there are about 2.7 million household solar units in the US? While it might not be entirely possible not to use any power generated from the grid, yes, it is still a brilliant idea to invest in some solar panels and solar energy initiatives.
When you install a solar panel system, you reduce your need to buy electricity from your electric company. However, you still need to know how many solar panels will be required to power your house if you purchase the system.
Read below for some things to consider when looking for the best solar panels for your home.
Steps to Evaluate Your Home’s Energy Requirements
When evaluating your home’s energy requirements, specific steps must be taken. Quickly and easily calculating the number of solar panels you’ll need to power your home requires time and money, but it’s worth it. To start, consider the following:
Calculate the Size of the Solar Panel System Required
Checking how much energy your home needs. This means figuring out how many kilowatt-hours of energy are needed by looking at how much power you use. To figure out how much power you use in a year, you can use online tools or talk to your energy provider.
Once you know how much energy you’ll be using, you can make better decisions. Then you can choose the right-sized solar panel set up to give you that amount of power. The size of a solar panel will depend on its type, strength, and tilt angle.
Also, you need to think about how many hours of sun your area gets to make sure the system has enough power. Lastly, batteries and other parts are needed to store power so that they can be used on cloudy days when there isn’t enough sunlight.
Assess Your Roof’s Sun Exposure
Consider the size, shape, and type of your roof when figuring out how much sun it gets. Pay close attention to how much shade there is from nearby big trees, brick walls, or other buildings.
Next, look at local maps of solar radiation to find out how much solar energy a certain place absorbs. Lastly, measure the solar heat gain factors of your roof, walls, and attic insulation to figure out how much energy your house gets from the sun and how much it needs to be cooled.
Consider Local Government Incentives for Your Solar Panel Installation
The best way to take advantage of local government rewards for installing solar panels is to figure out how much electricity your home needs each month. Next, you should find out what local incentives are offered.
Local governments often offer rebates or tax credits to homes that put money into solar energy. Research the tools that are out there and decide which company is best for you. Lastly, you can get help from a professional to make sure you’re getting the most out of the benefits your local government offers.
Other Factors to Take Into Account for Maximum Efficiency
Set a benchmark to determine the current energy use. This involves assessing your current energy demands, such as the type of fuel used, the energy efficiency of equipment and appliances, the quantity of hot water used, and any other energy-related activities.
Next, identify potential sources of available energy, such as getting renewable energy resources. Once you have established a baseline, you can look for ways to improve your home’s efficiency.
Insulation, especially in the attic and basement, can help improve energy efficiency. Additionally, consider the replacement of inefficient windows, air seals around doors, and installing smart thermostats.
Finally, adding energy-saving solutions like low-flow shower heads, tankless water heaters, and energy-efficient lighting can also make a difference. With a holistic energy assessment, you can make changes to ensure your home operates efficiently.
How Many Solar Panels Do You Need?
The average state receives 4 to 6 hours of usable sunlight daily, which can vary depending on your location. Remember that you will need more sunlight in a cloudy area. After you have the size of the solar system in kilowatts, you can calculate the number of panels you need by dividing the kW by the output of the panels you choose.
When designing a solar energy system for your home, you will also need to ensure that you have the right size of inverter and battery. Finally, consider working with a professional solar company to ensure your system is installed correctly and you get the most out of your solar energy.
What Types of Solar Panels Should You Use for Your Home?
When selecting solar panels for a residential home, several different types exist. Choose panels based on the amount of energy needed, budget, and aesthetic appearance. Solar energy experts should help you evaluate your individual needs and make the best choice for solar panel selection, such as:
Monocrystalline Solar Panels
Monocrystalline solar panels are the most efficient and durable option for installation in your home. The panels are made with single-crystal silicon and have a higher efficiency rating than any other type of solar panel. They are also the most temperature-resistant, essential when operating in hot climates.
Monocrystalline panels take up less space than other types, making them more appealing for those with limited roof space. Furthermore, the sturdy construction of monocrystalline solar panels makes them less susceptible to damage from hail and strong wind gusts.
The initial cost of these panels is usually higher than other types. Still, their durability and performance make them a worthwhile investment in the long run.
Polycrystalline Solar Panels
Polycrystalline solar panels are one of the most common kinds of solar panels used to power homes. They don’t cost as much and are easier to set up than monocrystalline solar panels, but they still produce a lot of energy for homes.
Polycrystalline solar panels are good for small homes because they take up less room than monocrystalline panels. One big benefit of using polycrystalline solar panels at home is that they can still make a lot of power even when there isn’t much light.
Grid-Tied Solar Panels
Grid-Tied Solar Panels are one of the most common types of solar panels used for residential purposes. They enable you to sell excess electricity the solar panels generate back to the power grid.
They are ideal for homeowners who own their property and have access to the grid. They are available in several sizes, shapes, and capabilities, allowing homeowners to choose the one that best suits their energy needs.
These solar panels are often most suitable for people who live in areas that offer net metering, allowing them to sell excess electricity back to the grid. Be sure to work with a certified solar specialist to develop a tailor-made system to meet your needs.
Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell (PERC) Panels
Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell PERC panels are among the most efficient and reliable solar panels. They are recommended for use in your home. PERC stands for Passivated Emitter Rear Cell, a combination of passivation and cell technology.
Passivation is a thin layer of non-conductive material that improves the cells’ energy-gathering properties. This layer also helps protect the cells from environmental elements, like water and dust. It also helps make cleaning your solar unit a lot easier.
The PERC panels also come with a longer lifespan than other types of solar panel technology. In addition, due to the increased efficiency, these panels can produce more electricity even when the sunlight is weaker or when the sun’s angle is difficult to predict.
Thin-Film Solar Panels
Thin Film solar panel technology is one of the most cost-effective and efficient ways to provide solar energy to your home. Thin Film solar panels are extremely thin film photovoltaic (PV) cells usually placed directly on the roof or a wall.
The thin film solar cells are made from various materials. It includes amorphous silicon, copper indium gallium diselenide, and other combinations of delicate materials. This flexibility makes them suitable for areas where conventional solar modules cannot be installed due to size or space constraints.
Solar Roof Shingles
Solar roof shingles are different from regular solar panels in that they are special roofing tiles that have high-efficiency solar cells built into their design. Putting solar panels on the roof works just as well as using regular solar cells, but they look better and can improve the look of your home from the outside.
Solar roof shingles are a good investment in the long run because they are reliable and last a long time. They are also great for places that are far away. This is because they take up less room and need less material to put together than traditional solar panels.
Learn How Many Solar Panels Used to Power Your Home
Utilizing renewable energy sources, such as solar power, is an excellent and safe way to meet your energy needs. Calculating how many solar panels you need to power your home is an essential first step.
Consider energy usage, weather patterns, and the cost of installing and maintaining the panels. That way, you can ensure you have enough solar power to meet your needs. Talk to an expert to get sound advice on your next steps. Want to learn more? Visit our website for the latest tips, guides, and insights for
