How Many Solar Panels Do You Need to Run a House Off the Grid?
Going off-grid with solar in Arizona is more complicated than installing a grid-tied home solar energy system. You’ll need more solar panels than a grid-tied system as well as plenty of backup power. While we can’t pinpoint exactly how many solar panels and batteries you’ll need to go off grid without discussing your specific energy needs and location, we can give you a better idea of what it takes to run an Arizona off-grid solar home.
According to the EIA, American utility users consume an average of 893 kWh of electricity per month. That’s about 29.33 kWh per day. Most residential solar panels can produce between 250 and 400 watts per hour, depending on their size.
For simplicity’s sake, let’s say you decide to install 300-watt solar panels and your solar panels receive 6 hours of sunlight per day. You’ll be generating 1.8 kWh per panel per day. To meet the average requirement of 29.33 kWh of electricity per day for your household, then, you’ll need 17 solar panels.
Of course, this is just one example. To find out how many solar panels it would take to power your off-grid system, schedule a consultation with SouthFace Solar & Electric.
Backup Batteries & Generators for Off-Grid Solar
Because they are not connected to the electric grid, off-grid solar systems must meet the home’s electricity needs completely. This means they need to have backup power for use at night, on overcast days, and to maintain power if the solar panels malfunction or become damaged.
It’s best to have multiple sources of backup power for your off-grid home. A combination of solar batteries and generators will give you plenty of reliable backup power and the peace of mind that comes with it.
How much backup power you need for off-grid solar depends heavily on the amount of power you use and the amount of electricity your solar panels generate. SouthFace Solar & Electric can help you make the right solar battery and generator choice for your home.
Is Off-Grid Solar Right for Your Home?
Off-grid solar panels and solar batteries in the Phoenix, Arizona area provide a number of benefits. Off-grid solar is a great option if:
- You want to completely eliminate your electric bills
- You want full energy independence with zero reliance on the utility
- You want to drastically reduce your carbon footprint and live a more sustainable life
- You live in a remote area that does not have grid access
Get Free Advice from the Best Off-Grid Solar Company in Arizona
If you’re thinking about installing an off-grid solar system in Arizona, our number one piece of advice is to consult with an experienced off-grid solar company.
At SouthFace Solar & Electric, we install custom off-grid solar systems in Phoenix and throughout all of Arizona. We can help you understand how off-grid solar works and design the right system for your needs. We’ll walk you through how much an off-grid solar system costs and help you weigh the benefits vs. cost to help you make the best decision for your home.
Our team is passionate about solar energy and believes in its power to transform our customers’ lives. Reach out with any questions you have about off-grid solar and we’ll be happy to help.
