How to Run a House on Solar Panels
So you’ve decided to install solar panels on your house, but how much do you need? How big should the panels be? And how much will it cost? What about battery backup? Read on to find out how to install solar panels in your home. Here are some general guidelines:
Installation
In the U.S., the average house uses around 900 kilowatt hours (kWh) per month. A solar panel system can generate 3,600 to 4,800 kWh per year. For those with a larger household, you can get a 10-kilowatt-hour system to generate up to 16,000 kWh per year. You can also ask a solar energy professional for a free estimate.
Cost
While the initial cost of installing solar panels can be high, most people choose to finance the project through various methods, such as loans, leases, and power purchase agreements. A comprehensive guide to solar financing can help you find the right option for your needs. In addition to tax credits, government incentives can make it cheaper to install solar panels than traditional electricity sources.
Size
The average size of solar panels needed to run a house depends on the roof area and energy consumption. The average American house uses 877 kWh of electricity each month. While the exact number of solar panels will depend on the size of your home, it’s generally about twenty-five to thirty-four panels per thousand square feet of roof area. Listed below are the typical sizes of solar panels and the wattage they produce.
Battery backup
Many homeowners are now considering how to run a house on solar panels with a battery backup. Home batteries can store solar energy for backup power if the grid fails. This also saves you money during high time-of-use rates. You can save money by using battery power when your rates are higher, rather than paying for power that you don’t need. There are a few things you should know before buying a battery for your solar system.
Location
The optimal location of solar panels for running a house depends on a number of factors, including the size of the house, the number of family members, and the energy efficiency of appliances. The sun is more intense in states such as Arizona and Nevada, and their long winters reduce solar panel efficiency. Other states, such as Colorado and Texas, require larger solar panels and longer winters. The following are some tips to determine the best location for solar panels for running a house.