Switching to solar power might be one of the most cost-efficient things you can do for your home. You can significantly cut down your reliance on the grid, get tax rebates for installing a solar panel system, and even sell excess power to your local grid. But before you can get started, we’ve noticed our customers have some common questions, including:
- How much solar do I need?
- How many solar panels do I need to generate enough electricity?
- What do I need to do to make sure my system is efficient?
Blueline Energy specializes in serving homes and businesses across Illinois with cost-effective, reliable solar panel systems that can power your building. Keep reading to learn more about how big of a solar system you need and how to figure out the particulars for your unique home.
How Much Solar Power Will You Need?
Before you can get a specific answer to ‘What size solar system do I need?’ start by calculating how much energy your solar panel system will need to collect. Your utility bill will tell you how much electricity, often measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), your home uses every month. The average Illinois home uses about 878 kWh per month or slightly less than 30 kWh per day. If you want to power the entirety of your house’s energy usage with solar energy, you’ll need between 15 and 20 solar panels. To continue to tap into that power at night, you’ll also need an onsite battery that houses excess energy generated during daylight hours so you can use it after the sun sets.
A professional solar panel installation service can give you a personalized assessment of how many solar panels your home will need, as every home is different.
Factors That Affect How Many Solar Panels You Will Need
Many contributing factors can impact the total number of solar panels you need. Consider the following:
- Solar panel size: The standard dimensions of solar panels are generally 65 inches by 39 inches. The bigger the panel, the more energy it can collect.
- Available roof space: The size of your roof and, more particularly, the size of the southern-facing portion of your roof affects how many solar panels you can install.
- The efficiency of the solar panels: There is a wide range of solar panels on the market, some being cheaper but less capable of generating electricity and others more expensive but far more efficient.
- The weather and month: Stormy days and winter months with shorter periods of sunlight will naturally let you collect less solar energy than clear, long summer days. Evaluating the average of your property’s potential throughout the year may seem daunting, which is why it’s always recommended to speak with a professional.
- The amount of energy you need: “How many solar panels do I need?” is a question we hear regularly from our customers. While the average home may need 30 kWh per day, your home may need much less or much more. Before looking at different solar panels or designs, our experts can help with calculating your home’s power needs throughout the year so you can plan accordingly.
Blueline Energy Is Your Illinois Source for Solar Panel Systems
Taking the right steps is vital to ensure your home has the proper solar installation. We can help if you’re still asking yourself, “How many solar panels do I need?”. Start by exploring our services to learn more, or contact Blueline Energy today to schedule a consultation. Together, we can take a closer look at how big of a solar system you need, the capacity of your roof based on the standard size of solar panels, and the potential for savings solar panels can offer you and your family.
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