If you are looking for a way to reduce your energy costs without compromising comfort and liveability, a solar energy system may be the perfect solution. With recent advances in solar panel technology, many homeowners are making the switch to solar power. While most homes in British Columbia will require 16-20 solar panels, this number can fluctuate drastically based on several factors. That is why the team at BNR Electric has compiled some information on these factors to help you determine how many solar panels are needed to run your house and ensure a steady supply of power.
Learn about the advantages of switching to solar energy.
Factors that Influence the Number of Required Solar Panels
The following factors will have a significant impact on the number of solar panels your home will require:
Your Average Energy Usage
When looking at your energy bill, you should be able to see a statistic known as kilowatt hours (KWH). This stat is used to measure the amount of electricity used in an hour, allowing you to gauge your average energy usage per day, per week, and per month. Finding your average daily energy usage will help you calculate how much power you will need to run everything in your home. This information can then be used to determine the number of solar panels you will need for your home, though it is important to install a few more than you will typically need to account for extreme weather and additional devices.
The Amount of Sunlight at Your Home
Solar panels only generate power when they are exposed to direct sunlight. This power is stored in battery packs for use later in the day, but they will not receive additional power until the sun hits the panels again. On average, most homes are exposed to about 4 hours of direct sunlight per day, though this amount will vary based on the season, weather conditions, and shade caused by nearby trees. Be sure to measure how much sunlight your home gets in a day to determine if solar panels are a viable solution for your needs.
The Type of Solar System
In British Columbia, grid-tied and off-grid systems are the two main types of solar energy systems. While both systems will require a similar number of panels, off-grid systems will likely need a few more than grid-tied. Off-grid systems will also require the installation of battery packs in addition to the panels, so it is important to consider if your home has enough room for both.
To learn more about their solar energy solutions and other residential electrical services, get in touch with the team at BNR Electric. They can be reached at 604-819-7887 or through their online contact form and will be happy to answer any questions you may have.