If you’ve been considering investing in renewable energy sources like solar panels but are unsure which to choose, it’s time to consider the details. For example, how much power does a solar panel produce? Discover more about solar panel power output with help from expert solar installers in Arizona.
How Solar Panels Work
Solar panels work by taking the sunlight to create power for your home. In short, when sunlight hits a solar panel’s cells, it initiates a process where the PV (photovoltaic) cells in the panels use electrons to create electricity. Then, this electricity can flow anywhere needed in the home, cutting down on your overall electrical costs.
Average Solar Panel Power Production
Since solar panels depend on weather conditions and other factors, estimating solar panel electricity generation is not straightforward. There’s no one-size-fits-all way to create an exact number for measuring solar panel output in watts.
However, you can still get an idea of what to expect. On average, homes in the U.S. with standard-size solar panels produce anywhere from 1.5 to 2.5 kilowatts per day. This averages to around 550-875 kilowatt hours per year.
Calculating Solar Panel Energy Production
To calculate solar energy production, you’ll want to start with the average value of U.S. electricity consumption per household. The average consumption is 10,500 kilowatt hours per year.
However, saving on any level of kilowatts per hour of energy production is a great bonus. Even if you save $80 monthly from your solar panels, this adds up to $960 per year. Over a decade of owning these solar panels equates to a savings of $9,600 dollars.
Factors Influencing Solar Panel Power
There are many factors that influence the performance of your solar panels. Consider the following before installing solar panels on your home.
Number of Solar Panels
A large factor in considering questions like, “How much power does a solar panel produce?” is the amount of panels. For example, a large system with multiple panels produces more power than smaller ones.
View of the Sun
Another element in determining production power is if your panels get enough sun. For example, since there’s more sun exposure, solar panel efficiency in summer will be better than in winter.
You can position your panels to optimize sun exposure. For example, make sure you install solar panels away from shaded areas so they get the most direct sunlight.
Cost of Electricity
The cost of electricity factors into overall utility costs regardless of whether you have renewable energy sources or not. As energy prices rise, you can expect your overall electricity cost to rise, too; that said, solar panels may help reduce the overall cost of utilities each year.
Determining Solar Panel Wattage with Experts in Tuscon
Instead of wondering, “How much power does a solar panel produce?” or, “How good is solar panel efficiency in summer?” get in touch with experts. Get a free quote before committing to solar panel installation by calling Solar Solution AZ at (520) 858-0220 today!