Homeowners in Arizona stand to make immense savings in electricity through solar-powered systems. What’s more, the cost of solar systems’ installation has dropped significantly over the last decade. Multiple federal solar incentives have also eased the financial burden of solar panel installation.
One question that comes up whenever a homeowner thinks of solar energy is the number of panels required. The simple answer would be 28 to 34 solar panels, but every home is unique.
An established solar installer will consult closely with the client to help them understand all factors that go into designing the system.
If you want to leverage the multiple benefits of solar power, Total Solutions, the leading solar installer in Arizona will answer this and many other questions. The company brings over two decades of solar energy experience to ensure you maximize the benefits of clean and affordable power.
What Determines the Number of Solar Panels You Need?
Before your solar installation company starts designing your solar power system, you’ll work together to determine a few things.
- Your Goals
The main consideration will be your goal for instilling the solar panels. For instance, are you after energy efficiency or reducing your carbon footprint? Do you want to maximize your return on your investment without considering the environment? The answer to these questions will affect the size and design of the solar power system in your home.
- How Much Power Do You Need?
Check your past utility bills to determine how much power you need. A solar installer takes your household’s hourly energy requirement and multiples this by the peak sunlight hours in your location. They then divide this by a solar panel’s wattage.
According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), the average U.S. home uses about 900 kWh per month (30 kWh per day or 1.25 kWh per hour). The 30 kWh is your target daily average of power from your solar power system.
Of course, you have to consider that solar panels don’t deliver 100% efficiency at all times. You can add a 25% cushion to the daily target to offset poor weather and other issues that affect the solar panels’ efficiency.
- Available Sunlight
In an area that enjoys many hours of peak sunlight, you’ll get more solar energy conversion from a single panel. This means to meet the daily target needed (30 kWh), you’ll require fewer solar panels.
The direction of your roof also affects the amount of sunlight received. For instance, Southern-facing roofs in the Northern hemisphere enjoy more sunlight.
- Solar Panel Wattage and Efficiency
You can find different Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels on the market by the category of the energy they produce from 150 watts to 370 watts per panel. The wattage of the modules is crucial when installing your solar power system.
It determines the number of panels you require to meet your daily power target of about 30 kWh per day for an average home. With more efficient solar panels, you’ll also need a smaller number to meet your home’s power needs.
- Solar Panel Size
Average solar panel dimensions are 65 inches by 39 inches, or 5.4 feet by 3.25 feet though they may vary depending on the manufacturer. For small roofs or uniquely shaped ones, you might need many small panels to meet your power target.
At Total Solutions, we help you design your solar system and answer all your questions. Contact us today for the most comprehensive solar solutions in Arizona.