PV Gap

Ricardo Said:

How many solar panels do i need-to power a house?

We Answered:

That depends on roof size, your location, and energy consumption habits. Although I can't give you a definitive answer on the number of panels I would like to recommend the people I consulted with when I was pursuing solar power for my home. If you visit Global Solar Center's site @ http://www.globalsolarcenter.com/ they will provide you with a free solar quote, as well as all the information you need regarding your payback period, a cash flow analysis, a feasibility analysis, your annual savings and an expected return on investment. All in all they were of great help to me and they're a great resource to begin your solar search. After discussing your solar wants with them you will be able to make a smart decision about whether or not solar is the right move for you.

Vernon Said:

How many solar panels does it take to power a three bedroom house, and how much would it cost?

We Answered:

Can't help with the cost, but my 6 kW photovoltaic solar system has 40 panels. In Martinez CA I get an annual average of about 20 kWh per day. Check your utility bills and see how much you use. That will give you a rough idea of what to expect.

You could check with your building department to determine where solar systems have been installed in your area. Most folks who have them are willing to talk about them.

Tracy Said:

How big a windmill or how many solar panels would it take to power an average sized house?

We Answered:

Very roughly, an average house in the US uses 850 KWH/month. So you need enough panels to supply this. In most of the country, a 1 KW array will produce about 4 KWH/day or 100KWH/month (conservatively), so you'd need about an 8 KW array to supply all your power.

That's about $75,000, in most of the country.

DK

Vera Said:

how many solar panels do i need to power a small house?

We Answered:

Solar panels produce DC (12v, 24v, 48v, etc) voltage. You will need to invert the solar power to AC. The amount of panels is determined on the amount of Watt Hours of electrical load you will be using. If you want to run these loads after the sun goes gown then you will have to store your solar generated power into batteries.
I have a completely off grid home, 2000 watts solar, propane heat, H20, refrigerator, and generator. Total electrical system cost about $50,000. 1000 square foot home, facing do south.
Hope this is helpfull.

Seth Said:

How many solar panels does it take to power a house?>?

We Answered:

I will first answer your question and then rant on the answers you got so far.

To power your home you need to get your last 12 months electric bills and total the kWh for the year and divide it by 365 days. That gives you your daily usage. In most areas in the USA there is 4 to 5 hours of Peak Sun. You would then divide the daily usage by the peak sun hours and that is how many solar modules you will need. Then you will need to size an inverter. If you are on the Grid you do not need batteries because the grid is the biggest battery in the world. In most states you can roll over your over production from one month to the next for a full year. So your big months in the summer will pay for the less sun months in the winter.

Check out this web page. http://www.oynot.com/solar-info.html

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I have noticed that the same people keep saying the same thing over and over and have no idea of what they are talking about. I have answered this question over and over and even showed 30 years of math to prove it.

I have done the math over and over at 7.5 cents per kWh and without any grants or insentives you will pay off a solar electric system in about 30 years.

Think about a few things. Like you are renting electric from the utility. I don't see where you are gaining anything at all from renting? You do not have any thing in the end. But if you were to buy a solar electric system no matter what your cost per kWh is, you can sell the system with your home and get every penny you spent on it back. So your cost was Zero and you had years of free electric as well.

People need to add in all the taxes they pay over the years as well .You will pay 8% in taxes. Plus there is an inflation rate of a minium of 3.5% every year. That alone would be more savings in taxes and inflation then the intrest on your loan. You don't pay taxes on the power you make your self.

Then there is a tax break because it is a home improvment and at the minute you can get up to 2000 dollars tax credit just for installing solar.

I have yet to understand why people want to say it cost so much. Maybe they don't know anything about it is my guess.

Check it out for your self is the best way. Call a solar electric dealer.

Melinda Said:

How many solar panels does it take to power a regular house - say 2000 sq ft?

We Answered:

There are so many different factors to determine that, there is no typical answer.

You need to look at your electric bill and see how much power you use by seeing how many kwh you buy.Enter that number in an online solar calculator like http://www.altestore.com/store/calculato… and enter where you are located. This will tell you how big of a system you need.