Can I Use Solar Energy to Power My Home?

Residential solar systems can overproduce electricity and earn credit through a net metering program. Some variables influence your household’s power output levels and number of solar panels. A solar company can help you select the right solar panel for your home. Here are a few factors that impact its feasibility for residential use:

Household Monthly Power Consumption

By 2021, the average US residential utility customer consumed 10,632 kilowatt-hours (kWh) annually, a monthly average of 876 kWh. The electricity consumption rate will determine the number of solar panels you need. A home using 877 kWh monthly with an average of 6 peak sunshine hours daily will require a more extensive system than one consuming 500 kWh. Energy consumption rate varies, depending on your household’s size and power needs. 

Check your monthly bill to determine your home’s electricity consumption rate. You can minimize consumption through energy-efficient home appliances like light bulbs and proper insulation. That can qualify you for sale tax exemptions when installing your solar system. Consult your solar company for incentives and credits you’re eligible for.

Sunshine Hours Your Home Receives

Your location’s sunshine hours determine your solar system’s viability. Solar energy can power your home off-grid or maximize the net metering program. Check your location’s peak sun hours and the sunlight intensity your system requires to function optimally. Peak sunshine hours vary depending on daylight hours.

Your Home’s Solar Panels Suitability

Solar panels can function in diverse climates. Your rooftop’s age or tree cover may determine its suitability for solar. Excessive tree shade on your roof may diminish your rooftop panels’ performance. Check your roof’s size, shape, and slope before installing a solar system. Install your panels on a south-facing roof for optimal performance. Roofs sloping between 15° and 40° can make the most of peak sun hours. 

Check your roof’s age and lifespan until repairs or replacements are made. Homeowners with unsuitable roofs for solar can utilize community solar. It lets multiple individuals use an on- or off-site shared solar array. The parties share the purchase and installation costs at a level that suits their budgets.

Number of Solar Panels Required

Your location, energy consumption, and your panels’ efficiency determine the number of solar panels required. The number of panels can impact the overall production ratio, your panel’s estimated energy output (kWh) divided by wattage. The ratio may be unequal due to the inconsistency of sunlight throughout the day. A system’s rated wattage defines the maximum power output under optimal conditions. Your panel’s production ratio, household energy consumption, and panel wattage can help you calculate the solar panels needed for your home. You may reduce consumption if your roof’s space limits the number of solar panels installed.

Solar Panel Wattage

Solar panels vary in their wattage, depending on the brand or make. The wattage is a solar panel’s electrical output produced. Your panel’s wattage may impact electricity accessibility. It influences how you run your house using solar. Most solar panels have 250 to 400 watts of power. Standard models can generate an average of 300 watts. Choose one that fits your power needs for your home.

Contact a Solar Company Today

A residential solar system may qualify you for state and local incentives and tax breaks. They are upgrades that can also potentially enhance your property’s resale value. Expert solar installation specialists can assist you in maximizing the panel’s monetary and environmental benefits. An experienced solar company can help you get accurate data like sunshine hours, wattage, and production ratio from a panel. They are versed in different makes and incentives available to homeowners. Consult experts for professional solar installation consultations.