Your solar system setup should be large enough to produce enough electricity to power everyday appliances. When sized incorrectly, you miss out on higher energy yields. The following are steps for finding the right solar panel system size for your home.
1. Calculate Your Home’s Energy Need
The energy you consume dictates the size of the solar panel system you need. When figuring out the size of a solar panel system you need, get an estimate of how much power you use to run everyday appliances like refrigerators. Consider checking your monthly grid power bills for your average monthly energy consumption or conducting a home energy audit.
2. Factor in Your Location’s Sunlight Hours
Different regions get varying sunlight hours throughout the year. For instance, some areas, like Nevada and Florida, get up to 5.8 hours of sunlight a day.
When determining the size of your solar system, consider your area’s average daily sunlight hours. Areas with several hours of sunlight do best with smaller solar panel setups, whereas areas with fewer sunlight hours may require larger solar panel system setups to draw enough power to light up your home.
3. Plan for Future Needs
As you figure out what size solar panel system you need, think beyond your current energy needs. It’s helpful to consider a setup that can accommodate new appliances and even an expansion of your living space or the potential energy consumption increase. A system built around future needs will save you from costly solar panel system upgrades.
4. Ensure Your Roof Can Accommodate Panels
The size and condition of your roof impact the size of your solar panel system. Large roofs accommodate a higher number of solar panels, allowing for a higher-capacity system that can generate more electricity. Likewise, a recently updated roof typically allows for large-size installations, while older ones need renovation to accommodate large-size systems.
Let Solar Optimum Help Pick the Right Size for Your Solar System
Figuring out the right size for your solar system is best delegated to the solar energy experts. Our technicians will assess your energy needs, analyze your roof’s suitability and calculate the optimal size of solar panels based on local sunlight conditions. Contact us today to get a custom solar panel system that meets your home’s unique energy needs.
