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Wellman Shew dives into how many solar panels you may need to power your house.
With solar panel technology, it is possible to power your house with solar energy. It’s critical to know how many panels you need for them to be able to power your home.
How Many Solar Panels Do You Need?
A few factors determine how many solar panels you need for your house. Firstly, the utility bill can help you choose the number of solar panels you should have. Typically, the higher the energy bill, the more panels you need to power your house. Use the utility bill to calculate your average energy usage and then consider the amount of wattage (kilowatt-hours (KWH) perfect for your home.
Wellman Shew adds that the second factor is the size of the roof and the amount of sunlight it gets on average per day. Usually, solar panels absorb maximum heat during peak sunlight hours. And this depends on your home’s location.
To figure out the ideal number of panels, multiply your home’s peak sunlight hours by the energy usage per hour. Wellman suggests asking solar panel companies to help you with this process.
The third element is the size of your home and what appliances you have inside, such as electric heaters, air conditioners, refrigerators, dishwashers, etc.
Solar Panels for An Average Home
In the United States, an average home is about 1500 square feet. And you’d spend nearly $100 on energy needs for this type of home. Wellman Shew says the utility bill translates to between 15 and 18 solar panels to support all your lights and electric appliances efficiently. However, things like your site, type of solar panels, sunlight hours, etc., determine the actual panels you should have.
What Are the Types of Solar panels?
The three most common types of solar panels are monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and amorphous.
Monocrystalline panels are the most efficient type in terms of power output per square foot. They also have a longer lifespan than other types of panels. However, they are also more expensive and less flexible in design.
Wellman Shew says polycrystalline panels are less efficient than monocrystalline ones, but they have a much lower initial price tag. They also have a shorter lifespan, and their efficiency drops as time goes on because other objects like trees or buildings cannot shade them. He adds that amorphous panels are the cheapest type, but they also produce the least amount of power per square foot compared to other types.
What Are the Types of Solar Panel Systems?
– Off-Grid Systems: These are systems that are not connected to a power grid. They typically use battery storage and can be used in remote locations or in cases where the grid is down.
– On-Grid Systems: These systems can be connected to a power grid and work with net metering agreements.
– Hybrid Systems: These combine the benefits of on-grid and off-grid solar panels.
Solar power is a renewable and sustainable source of energy. Solar panels are the best way to reduce your carbon footprint and save on electricity bills.
Wellman Shew is a master of public service and environmental responsibility. He was the leader of Clovis Hills Community Church’s solar panel project, which has provided clean energy, savings, and comfort.