If you want to save money and protect the environment, it is time to learn more about how solar panels work. One of the most common questions homeowners ask when they start thinking about adding solar panels to their house is “what size do I need?” Keep reading to discover what size solar panels you really need.
Solar Panel Size and Output
When trying to figure out how many solar panels you need, you will have to look into the size and output for various brands. There is no standard sizing or energy output guideline, so finding out what size solar panels you need is not so simple. For example, rather than tell Honey's Air & Solar you need two medium-size panels, you’ll need to be more specific.
The average residential panel is about 65 by 39 inches, but a panel can produce anywhere from 150 to 370 watts. Higher-efficiency panels can have special materials. This means they produce more energy without taking up more space. As a result, you really need to figure out the number of specific-type panels you need, not just the actual dimensions.
How to Calculate the Number of Panels You Need
The first thing you need to do is consider how many watts of energy your house uses in an hour on average. Then you need to take a look at your roof to see how many peak sunlight hours it gets. Next, you need to choose a brand of panels and learn how many watts of power the panels produce. Finally, you can calculate the number of panels you need by multiplying your hourly energy usage by the peak sunlight hours and dividing that by the panel’s wattage.
If you have more questions about fitting your home with solar panels, talk to Honey's Air & Solar in Modesto, CA. We have plenty of experienced technicians who can help install solar, and we also provide a lot of other great cooling and heating services. Give us a call to learn more.
