Home solar panels are more attainable than ever, becoming the most popular clean energy solutions on the market. In just the past couple of decades, over 2 million US homes have installed solar panels. While impressive, we still have a long way to go, as that’s only 3.2%.
If you’re interested in getting solar panels for your home, then you need the right solar panel setup. Here are some tips to get the most out of it! If you need solar panels installed in Birmingham contact Warma UK who are the leading solar panel installers in Birmingham.
Get the Right Amount of Panels
The average American home uses around 29 kWh of electricity every day. However, that’s only the average.
You may have a smaller home filled entirely with energy-efficient appliances and use a wood stove for heat. In that case, you may only need 15 kWh to gain a surplus.
Conversely, if you have a larger house filled with older appliances and electric resistance heat, you could use as much as 50 to 70 kWh per day!
To determine your energy consumption, contact your utility or check your meter. Try to go a little higher than your average daily consumption, just to be safe.
If you determine that you use 1000 kWh of electricity every month or 33 kWh per day, you would need at least a 7 kWh system. This would consist of 20 to 23 panels of 315W to 375W for the best results. However, if you are living off-grid and relying entirely on your solar panels, more is always better!
Face the Right Direction
Solar panels need to face true south for the best results. You can determine this with a compass, land surveys, or however you want. Some studies have suggested conflicting information that a 2-degree tilt to the west is the most optimal, but this has been disproven.
Store Your Energy
A solar system is only as good as its storage. With the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act in August 2022, home fuel cells are eligible for the same 30% tax rebate as solar panels and heat pumps. This means it’s more affordable than ever to reach energy independence at home or convert your off-grid cabin to fully electric!
Typically, you’ll need at least 10 kWh of stored electricity to get you through each night. If you are living off-grid, we’d suggest doubling that to store energy in any weather event, especially if you rely on electric heat or heat pumps to stay warm!
Just remember to get the right battery charger and inverter for your wattage. Believe it or not, you can use the same charger as found on pallet jack systems.
Let It Shine
Now that you know how to optimize your solar panel setup, get the right system for your needs today. The sooner you do, the sooner you can start saving money on your electric bill, reach energy independence, and reduce your carbon footprint.
Put these tips to use today and keep reading our blog for our latest tips for your home!
