However, installation can quickly get pricey.

Its not just about wattage; installation costs, panel performance, location and usage needs also matter.

Can solar panels save you money?

Interested in understanding the impact solar can have on your home?

Enter some basic information below, and well instantly provide a free estimate of your energy savings.

As an example, we will use 1,500 kWh every month.

Hence, theaverage daily use = 1,500 kWh / 30.42, approximating 49.3 kWh daily.

Determine peak sunlight hours:This factorvaries based on locationand climate.

This gives the amount of energy your solar panels need to produce per day.

Energy production required = 49.3 kWh per day / 5 hours, which equals 9.86 kW.

The averagesolar panel efficiencyin the US is rated between 250 and 400 watts.

For this example, we’ll use a rating of 350 watts.

By dividing 350 by 1,000, we can convert this to kilowatts or kW.

Therefore, 350 watts equals 0.35 kW.

Number of solar panels needed = 9.86 kW / 0.35 kW per panel, which equals 28.17 panels.

CNET also has a well-researched list ofbest solar companies.

How much do solar panels cost in my state?

These prices don’t factor in tax credits or state incentives.

The grayed out states on the map don’t have any FindEnergy solar data available.

The higher the wattage, the more power a panel can generate.

The higher the wattage rating, the higher the output.

In turn, the fewer panels you might need.

For example, you might buy a solar panel with a listed output of 440 watts.

So the higher the efficiency, the fewer solar panels you might need.

It compares the actualoutput of the system to the output it would produceunder ideal conditions.

The higher the production ratios, the fewer panels you might need.

Panel size

There are three mainsizes for solar panels: 60-cell, 72-cell and 96-cell.

This is based on thedirection, pitch and orientationof your roof, theweatherand how much shade covers the roof.

It also depends on the time of year and where you live.

“In the winter [the solar panel] produces less than in the summer.

In turn, you might need more panels to power your home.

Another thing to consider is whether your state or city incentivizes solar energy, Coleman said.

For instance, Spanish tile-roofs are considered solar unfriendly and require special attachments.

Besides recent use, factor in the future energy needs, Corda points out.

For instance, do you anticipate purchasing an electric vehicle?

Or do you plan on growing your family?

Or are you and your spouse going to be working from home more?

If so, then your energy needs will go up in the future years.

Living completelyenergy independent and off the gridwould mean more solar panels.

Addingbattery storagewill also play a factor in how many panels you need.

Figuring out the number of solar panels you need is only part of the equation.

The simple answer is: Yes, you could power a house entirely on solar power.

How many solar panels does it take to run a house off the grid?

Consult with asolar installerto get an idea.

Can solar panels run an air conditioner?

Yes, solar panels can help power your air conditioner.

However, AC units consume large amounts of electricity to run.

This can affect the amount of solar panels you’ll need to power your home.

Those passages have now been rendered appropriately as paraphrases.