When sizing a solar system there are two main variables to consider.  1. Electric Consumption, and 2. The available area for solar on the roof or property.  As for the cost or “number of solar panels,” there is no simple answer because each home and homeowner uses different amounts of electricity.  Generally speaking, we see the average pay back for a cash purchased system being 5 years, and our solar loan and solar lease clients  saving 25% to 30% on their electric costs from month one with zero money down. Additionally these savings increase over the years as the power company electric rates increase at an average rate of 6% per year.

Household Energy Consumption

The amount of power you used last year may not be the amount of power you wanted to use, or the amount that you will use next year.   Quality of life issues, like limiting HVAC use to save on the electric bill as well as a growing or shrinking household all need to be factored into the size of a system. Electric Cars as well as energy efficiencies all affect the electricity use levels as well.   Our goal at Active is to flush out the real numbers so your solar doesn’t just save you money but also enhances the quality of your life. 

The Size and Orientation of Your Roof

Southern Roof Exposure is the most ideal for solar production with East and West being about 15% less efficient.  That said, the West facing panels will produce power in the afternoon when time of use billing makes power more expensive.  Since you can’t change the orientation of your roof or its size, we will work with what you have to maximize the energy production and rate of return. While most people are getting accustomed to solar panels it’s still important to install them in aesthetically pleasing locations and manor.  Matching roof planes and hiding conduit are a couple of standard ways that a better integrator will deploy solar.   While you personally might not be able to see the panels where we install them, your neighbors often do.  Attention to detail includes sight lines and aesthetics.  

PERSONS PER HOUSEHOLD /SF	POWER IN KW	SIZE OF THE SOLAR FOOTPRINT
1 person + Electric Car Under 1000SF	3 kW System or 8 to 9 Panels	approx. 205 ft²
2 Members Over 1000SF	3 kW System 8 to 9 Panels	approx. 205 ft²
A couple with 1 child (3 Members) Over 1250 SF	4 kW 11- 12 Panels	approx. 270 ft²
A couple with 3 children (5 members) Over 1500 SF	7 kW 20-22 Panels	approx. 430 ft²
5 members + Electric Car Over 1800SF	10 kW 28 -30 Panels	approx. 645 ft²

  Energy and Financial Goals Most clients want to save as much money as possible with solar.  Taking in mind that most properties remain grid connected, leaving a small amount of grid electricity is usually the most fiscally advantageous. We generally size systems to 85-90% consumption if ample roof space is available. The Bottom Line Not two homes or families have the same energy use.  We can get close with sizing via Google Earth, home square footages, and estimating software, but we will want to personalize your system to match your needs specifically.    Solar is a long term investment and while we cannot predict the future, we take your personal needs into account to maximize your return and solar enjoyment for today and the decades to come.

Active Solar designs and installs industry leading Point of Use Power Technologies enabling homeowners to use less grid power, save money and live in smarter, more valuable and self-sustaining homes. COPYRIGHT 2020 ACTIVESOLAR.COM