How Many Solar Panels Do I Need?

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One of the most common questions our Yakima Valley solar panel company hears is, ‘How many solar panels do I need?’ Our residential solar installation experts will tell you that this answer is not cut-and-dried. Solar panel system sizing depends on many factors. Understanding how they impact your design will ensure a system sized for maximum efficiency and fast return on investment.

 

The number of solar panels you need to power your house will vary based on:

• Household energy use

• Roof space

• Sun exposure

• Long-term solar goals

 

 

Household Energy Use

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The amount of ground or rooftop space you have available for solar panels may limit how many you can install. However, roof pitch, orientation, and shading also play a role. Our experienced solar installers can determine your property’s solar panel and energy production limits and identify solutions to help you achieve your goals.

 

Sun Exposure

 

Sun exposure plays a major role in determining how many solar panels you need. Central Washington offers as much sun as parts of California and Arizona – 200-300 days per year – allowing you to produce the same amount of energy as homes in cloudier climates with fewer panels. Your roof orientation and shade obstructions can impact performance, however. Our Yakima Valley solar installers take these factors into account, determining the ideal angle and orientation for natural snow sloughing and optimal sun absorption, and calculating system size based on peak sun hours

 

 

Panel Efficiency

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High efficiency solar panels generate more electricity in the same amount of space, allowing you to install fewer panels and reduce the need for roof modifications. Those that collect light from both sides and include bypass diode technology, which allows power to flow around leaf- or snow-covered sections, increase sunlight absorption. Though they require a higher up-front investment, these higher efficiency panels provide a better long-term return. Our premium Talesun solar panels offer these cutting-edge features, delivering maximum power production backed by an industry-leading 25-year warranty for lasting use.

 

Long Term Goals

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Your energy independence preferences and long-term savings goals will influence the sizing of your solar panel system. If you'd like to reduce your monthly electric bills, guard against future rate increases, and reduce reliance on the grid, we recommend investing in a slightly larger system than you need to meet your current needs. We advise against significant oversizing, as many utilities cap energy buyback credits, which can slow your return on investment. If your goal is net-zero energy usage or permanent off-grid use, a system design with plentiful battery storage and room to grow is best.

 

Bottom Line

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The number of solar panels you'll need depends on your home and energy production needs. Ellensburg Solar's trusted solar installation experts have the experience to consider your energy usage habits, available space and budget, and long-term goals. Our custom solar energy system designs ensure the correct number of solar panels for optimal energy production, reliable use, rapid payback, and long-term savings.

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Ensure Maximum Return on Your Solar Investment

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Determine how many solar panels you need with help from the solar energy system design and installation team at Ellensburg Solar. Contact us at 509-929-2728 to schedule a solar energy assessment in Cle Elum, Ellensburg, Grandview, Granger, Kennewick, Kittitas, Moxee, Naches, Pasco, Prosser, Richland, Selah, Sunnyside, Toppenish, Wapato, White Swan, Yakima, and Zillah today.