How Many Solar Panels Do I Need to Run a House?

Rohan Mathew

If you are interested in going solar, there is a lot of information to know and it can be difficult to find straightforward, accurate answers. Consulting with a reputable company such as Alliance Solar NJ can help you decide on the exact number of solar panels needed to run your house.

The first step in finding out how many solar panels you should install is figuring out how much energy you use and when you use it. The average single-family house uses between 9,000 and 12,000 kWh per year. If you have a home built after the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA), a solar panel system is an affordable way to help power the lights, the toaster, and your coffee maker.

If you have a larger house or multiple appliances that use a lot of energy (like an air conditioner), your needs will be higher.

What’s The Best Ratio for My Home Solar Panel System?

The minimum recommended ratio for an off-grid solar power system is 25% efficient panels: 75% battery storage. A system sized between 7 kW and 10 kW can run on more than just grid power alone. When paired with a battery bank, it will be able to provide power during a grid outage and charge from solar panels during the day.

Not All Solar Panels Are Created Equal: Know How Much Power Your Panels Will Produce?

Solar panel efficiency and your panels’ ability to harness sunlight depend on many things. The biggest factors include the panel’s location, its angle to the sun, and its surroundings. 

Typical Cost of a Solar Panel System

The estimates are based on several factors such as equipment quality and installation costs. Your actual costs may vary. Purchase costs are relatively low because most solar panel systems are financed or leased instead of bought outright. The company that installs the panels then pays you for the electricity it produces over many years.

The price per year goes up over time because of inflation; this is known as the “nominal” cost or “constant dollar” cost. The energy savings from your solar system go up each year too, but it does not go up at the same rate. If you have a fixed price for electricity, the initial energy cost can be surprisingly low.

Energy Savings

If you have a lot of energy savings from a solar system, you will save money even before the first electric bill that you receive after the installation has been paid. Even if you pay for the system in cash and are not eligible for many incentives, you can still expect to save a lot of money over the life of the system.

Initial Installation Costs

Installation costs can be a large part of your total installation expenses, but there can be some room for negotiation before you sign the contract. If you already have an electrician who is experienced with solar installations, they may offer the lowest rate. If you are hiring a new electrician, ask what their rates are for solar installation.

The quality of the panel equipment, labor costs, and installation will determine which one is best for your household’s needs. There are a lot of available incentives for solar panels and the government may pay you to install your systems. You can use an online calculator to find out how much money you could be eligible for.

There are a lot of ways to save on solar panel system installation?; rebates are one of the most common. These rebates can be taken off your purchase or installation costs. Some countries allow sales and VAT tax exemptions on new solar panel purchases for your home.

Why Should you Work With a Professional For Solar Installation?

An experienced professional knows all the ins and outs of installing solar panels and will do the proper tests on your roof to make sure that there are no leaks before commencing installation. They will also handle all the paperwork for you. There’s a lot of paperwork involved in going solar, from grant applications to tax credits. The installer does all of this for you so that you have to worry about printing out any forms or filling up any paperwork. The professionals will also accurately do the sizing so that you’re getting the right number of panels for your home.