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How Many Solar Panels Are Needed to Power a House?

April 25, 2023
Family Sitting in Living Room Enjoying Solar Powered Home

Want to learn more about solar panels, their operation, and installation? Xando Energy answers all your solar power inquiries in Southern Florida!

We address the topic of how many solar panels the typical homeowner needs to power their home below, focusing on South Florida homes but applicable to any property that receives plenty of sunshine.

Call or contact a solar panel professional for immediate assistance!

Geographic location, house size, energy consumption, roof shape, weather, and solar panel efficiency all affect how many solar panels a home needs. Your location affects solar panel energy production by determining sunshine availability.

In this article, we discuss the primary elements that affect how many solar panels you need to power your house.

Solar Panels On Roof in Southern Florida

5 Key Aspects of Calculating Solar Panel Requirements

Solar energy specialists consider the following when calculating solar panel needs:

1. Look Up Mean Monthly Energy Usage

Gather last year’s power invoices to calculate your household’s monthly energy consumption. Your utility provider’s website may allow you to download past bills.

Record the monthly kWh usage from each bill. Divide the monthly data by 12 to get your average monthly energy use in kilowatt-hours (kWh).

2. Compute Daily Energy Usage

Divide the average monthly consumption by 30 days. Due to various month durations, this approach estimates daily energy use quite well.

3. Estimate Solar Energy Generation

Sun energy production depends on sun insolation, measured in kWh/m2/day. To get this information, look at solar insolation maps or databases like the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) or the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre’s Photovoltaic Geographical Information System (PVGIS).

Locate yourself on a map, record the sun insolation figure, then multiply your daily energy use by 1,000 to get watt-hours (Wh). Divide this amount by sun insolation to get solar panel capacity.

4. Account for Solar Panel Efficiency

Solar panels typically have 15 to 22 percent efficiency. To account for this fluctuation, divide the solar panel capacity from the previous step by the efficiency factor (given as a decimal, such as 0.20 for 20 percent).

For example, a 5kW system with 20 percent panel efficiency requires 25kW.

5. Calculate the Number of Solar Panels

Start by assessing the new solar panels’ power. Manufacturers or product specifications usually give this information.

Divide the needed capacity by the wattage of each panel to find how many solar panels you need.

For example, if 25 kW is needed and a solar panel contains 300 W, 25,000 W divided by 300 W is 83 solar panels.

Additional Solar Panel Installation Considerations

Remember that the calculations are estimates and may vary based on your home and solar panels. For a more correct evaluation, consult a local solar installation professional for likely outcomes.

The size of the roof, the amount of shade, and the local regulations all affect solar panel installation and system efficacy.

3 Solar Panel Usage & Requirement FAQs

As one might surmise, there are a plethora of questions we received pertaining to the utilization and requisites of solar panels. We have provided responses to a multitude of frequently asked questions we get below. If you don’t see your question answered, please pick up the phone and ask us directly!

#1 Given seasonal sunshine availability, how can I assure that the amount of solar panels I install will cover my household’s energy demands year-round?

Xando Energy ensures that your home’s solar panel system meets all your energy needs. We examine your home’s energy use and seasonal sunlight availability to achieve this.

We evaluate your home’s energy efficiency and recommend changes to reduce energy usage.

We create a unique solar panel system to meet your energy demands even when sunshine is sparse using this information.

#2 What should I consider when choosing solar panels for my home’s electrical infrastructure, efficiency, and size?

To optimize efficiency and compatibility with your home’s electrical infrastructure, you must consider many criteria while choosing solar panels.

At Xando Energy, we fully assess the following for each customer we serve:

  • Efficiency: High-efficiency solar panels improve roof space energy production. High-efficiency panels cost more but produce more energy over time.

  • Size: Solar panels should fit the roof area, taking into consideration shade or obstacles that might impair performance. We examine your roof and propose panel size to enhance energy output.

  • Compatibility: We’ll make sure the solar panels, inverters, and other system components are compatible with your home’s electrical infrastructure and local standards.

#3 Is it possible for your team to help me navigate the complex network of local regulations, potential incentives or tax credits, and any necessary permits needed to install photovoltaic cells on my modest home?

Absolutely! Our team understands how to navigate municipal laws and regulations, can advise you on how to get any available tax credits, and takes care of all permitting issues. Rest assured that you’re in good hands with Xando Energy. Absolutely! Our team understands how to navigate municipal laws and regulations, can advise you on how to get any available tax credits, and takes care of all permitting issues. Rest assured that you’re in good hands with Xando Energy.

In Closing

You can better understand your energy needs and the requirements for a solar panel installation by following these recommendations. Remember that all figures are just estimates and may vary depending on specific facts.

A solar installation specialist should be consulted for accurate assessments and individualized advice. To speak to a solar professional in South Florida, please reach out to our team today!