When deciding to go solar, two of the most common questions that homeowners have are: can I get off the grid, and can I completely power my home with solar panels? The answer to the first question is – going off-grid is unlikely. The reason for this is, you will still be connected to the traditional grid in the event of cloudy weather or not getting enough peak sun hours to power your home. Very few solar panel system owners can go completely off-grid, because they need a way to store the energy gathered from sunlight with something like on-site battery storage.
The answer to the second question is more complicated, but the good news is that it’s more likely. Keep reading to find out what you will need to completely power your home with solar as well as for some interesting statistics.
Residential Solar for Your Home: Did You Know?
Worldwide, solar panels have been arguably the most accessible form of green and renewable energy for many years. This has been increasingly true in the U.S. over the course of the last ten years, with solar panel systems reducing in price by up to 70% for American homes – according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). On average, homeowners can increase the value of their property by $15,000. Homes with solar sell easier and are more attractive for buyers. Not that we need to
Completely Solar Powered? It Depends…
To determine whether you can power your home entirely with solar depends on two main factors:
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Amount of Regular Sunlight Your Home Gets
Just as not all solar panels are created equal, not all homes are ideal candidates for converting sunlight into power for the home. We measure this amount of time in what’s called peak sun hours. The term peak sun hour simply means when one hour of sunlight converts into 1000 watts of usable energy for your household. The location where you live largely depends on how much sunlight you can convert into energy for your home.
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How Much Energy Your Household Uses
SEIA statistics tell us that the average American household with four family members uses about 10,400 kWh of electricity every year, on average. Your electric company should have up-to-date records of exactly how much electricity you and your family use.
Typically, solar panels average about 250-watts, meaning the average home would need a minimum of about 30 solar panels to make the transition to fully solar powering a household. You can also get a good idea of how long this transition will take and calculate your eventual savings – which also include your tax rebates.
Solar Energy Questions? We Have Answers
If you are in the market for a new solar panel system for your home, we are happy to answer any of your questions. You can also request a quote. Speak to a real person, not a machine! Feel free to give us a call today – we look forward to hearing from you.