Solar Panel Calculator: How Many Panels Do I Need?

Are Solar Panel Systems Right For You?

One of the most common questions most homeowners ask themselves is whether they should make the move to solar energy. For many, the answer is yes, because solar energy has many benefits for homeowners. In this article, you will learn what factors are considered before going solar, then use our solar panel calculator to see your estimated cost. There are many factors to consider when deciding to go green with solar energy. You will need your annual utility data to be analyzed by a sales consultant. Your system size will be designed to offset your annual utility consumption in kilowatts.

If you’re ready to benefit from solar panels, continue reading to learn what factors are considered when using a solar panel calculator to estimate the cost to effectively power your home! 

Compile Annual Energy Usage

A sales professional will need 12-months of utility usage to produce your solar system quote. Solar billing is on an annual cycle since consumption fluctuates throughout the year. For example, you may spend a maximum of $500 in the peak of summer, because air conditioning use is much higher than in February.

If we built your system to account for a $500 average bill per month, your system would be too large and you would overspend on the cost of installation. On the other hand, if we looked at an “average” bill of medium usage in Feb-March, your solar production would come up short and you would receive a balance due on your True-Up bill.

Plan for Increases in Energy Consumption

The purpose of your solar system is to generate enough electricity on an annual basis to cover your utility costs before going solar.

It is important to let your sales consultant know if you plan on using more power after you go solar. For example:

1. Adjusting your thermostat to a lower temperature
2. Adding a pool
3. Buying an electric vehicle
4. Increasing # of people living in the home
5. Home expansions
6. Purchasing large appliances

By telling your solar consultant about possible additions to your home requiring power you can avoid significantly increasing your energy usage, which can lead to an owed balance on what is called a solar True-Up bill. A True-Up is paid once per year, it summarizes your annual net energy costs or credits. It details both your solar production and energy consumption for the entire 12-month cycle.

Account for Potential Installation Issues

Even though cost can be estimated with our solar panel calculator, many factors come into play when sizing your solar system, however, the process is fairly simple. You need enough energy production to power your home effectively. You should also know that there are a few things that can affect the pricing of your solar quote outside labor and materials. Make sure that your home is solar-ready by reading about these few things that can affect your home’s ability to have solar installed. 

Things that can impact a solar quote pricing:

• Roof does not have adequate space
• Trees or structures obstructing your available roof space
• Your roof isn’t in a condition to accommodate solar panels

If you run into one of these issues speak with your sales consultant, to move forward with installing your new PV system. These factors will not change the number of panels you will need but can have an impact on your total project cost. On top of that, there are alternative solutions which include: tree removal, roof repair or re-roofing work, and exploring options for ground mounts or solar structures.

Now that we’ve covered everything that goes into producing your solar system quote, it is time to do some math. Use the solar panel calculator chart below to approximate what size system and how many panels you will need to power your home.