According to a 2022 report by the Solar Energy Industries Association, Florida ranks third in the country for solar energy capacity. Solar is becoming extremely popular among homeowners who want to save money on electric bills. But how many solar panels do you need to power your Florida home?
Factors Impacting the Number of Solar Panels for Your Home
The number of solar panels needed for a Florida home depends on several factors such as the size of the panels, the size of your home, the amount of energy you use, and more.
Your Energy Consumption
To determine the right number of solar panels for your home, you must first estimate how much energy you typically use. Review your 12 most recent electric bills to determine your average monthly consumption.
It’s also important to look ahead and predict any changing energy requirements in the future. If you’re planning on getting an electric vehicle (which requires more power to charge) or a new addition to your home such as a pool, this will impact how big of a system you need. At the same time, if you’re expecting a future downsize in your energy usage, that should be factored into your estimate.
Peak Sunlight Hours
Peak sunlight hours are when solar panels receive the most sustained exposure to the sun, which is when they generate the most energy. The number of peak hours in your area directly impacts how many solar panels you’ll need. With an average of 237 sunny days a year, Florida has no shortage of peak hours, which is one of many reasons the state is such an ideal place for solar.
It’s also important to consider your surrounding environment. If there are any trees or large buildings in your area that cause shade throughout the day, you’ll need more panels for your setup.
Solar Panel Output
Solar panels come in various models, each with its own efficiency and energy production capabilities. Factors such as how many solar cells are on a panel and the efficiency of each cell can affect how much electricity they produce.
Another factor affecting solar output is the panel manufacturer. Solar panel manufacturers are generally divided into two tiers, with tier one being the superior group. In order to qualify for tier one, manufacturers have to meet certain quality standards, so getting panels from this group equates to better efficiency and energy production.
The angle and direction at which solar panels are installed can also impact their output. South-facing panels will provide the best production, while west and east-facing panels will provide 85% to 80% effectiveness, respectively.
Your Solar Goal
People go solar for various reasons, such as to save on electricity costs, have a backup in case of power outages from the grid, reduce their carbon footprint, or all of the above. Your goal will influence the number of panels you’ll need. For example, if you plan to participate in net metering to save on your monthly electric bill, you should install solar panels with a capacity exceeding the energy your household typically consumes.
Ready to Go Solar in Florida?
Do you want to go solar in Florida and start saving on your electric bill? Solar Optimum is an award-winning solar energy provider offering premier solar energy solutions. Since 2008, we’ve been helping customers switch to solar by developing custom systems that meet their homes’ unique needs. If you’re ready to save with solar in Florida, contact us to get a free quote today!
