Is it possible to run a house on solar power alone? Of course, Yes! However, it depends on several factors like how much energy you use in your home and whether the sun hits your roof regularly and the general weather conditions of your locale.
If you have robust solar batteries and solar panels, it’s possible to have your house running entirely on solar energy.
Converting your homestead to function off the sun’s rays sounds good. Right?
Although most people find the initial cost of installing solar panels quite high, the long term benefits of solar energy are definitely worth considering them. Plus, the cost of connecting to a solar power system has dropped in the past 15 years, thanks to advancements in technology.
Solar power has pretty huge benefits and is more economical than ever. However, the truth is, there are a few limitations to make the vision a reality. Thus, before you call a professional solar panel installation company for a quotation, there are a few things you should consider.
First, you’ll need to take time and find out exactly how much energy your household uses on average every month, among other things.
Factors to Consider Before Installing Solar Power
Most people underestimate their monthly energy consumption and then minimize their capital expenditure on solar panels and storage which might lead to them getting resentful overtime.
A solar system project is a prudent decision, but by all means it´s not a small undertaking and requires a great deal of planning before installation.
Most homeowners have one question in common; how many panels will it take to have my house run on solar energy alone?
Well, there’s no tailor-made answer to this question as every home has different energy needs and consumption rates.
The average annual energy consumption for a typical home in the US is 11,000 kWh. However, specific consumption can be slightly higher or lower.
If you install the average 240-watt solar panel, you’ll need around 30 solar panels to generate enough energy input to power your house.
Here are a few questions that will help you determine if your house can run on solar power alone;
· What is the average annual power consumption for your household?
· Is your area high or low latitude? How is the climate?
· Do you want a grid-connected or a complete solar connection?
· What is your budget?
#1. What is Your Average Annual Energy Load?
The first step to having your house run on solar energy is to accurately determine the average energy effective output as a percentage that your solar system would need to produce in summer and winter.
But how do you determine how much power your household consumes?
You can determine your electricity consumption by tracking the total cost of your monthly electricity bills or by using an appliance energy calculator. This information will let you know your annual energy load and how it fluctuates every year.
Once you get that figure, divide it by the solar panel production estimate to determine the number of panels required. After you know the energy requirements and the size of your solar array, calculate the storage needed to give you a layover in poor weather conditions.
#2. What is The Latitude and Climate Like In Your Area?
While trying to figure out how much solar energy you’ll need to for use in your home, it would help if you study the meteorological data in your area. Based on past averages, you can determine the amount of sunlight you can expect in any given month.
Locales with harsh climates and high latitudes like North America (40 N), which experiences “grey days” and multi-day storms, can reduce your panels’ output by over 90 percent. If you reside in a house powered by solar in winter, account for the winter and cloudy days that will give you a few hours of sunlight.
However, if you reside in sunnier states with a lower latitude, like Texas, running your house on solar power alone can be an ideal option. Besides, your solar energy system’s sizing may be slightly smaller if there’s sunlight throughout.
#3. Do You Want A Grid Or A Complete Solar Connection?
There are two models of using a solar system. A grid-connected system is usually smaller because it’s always there to compliment the solar system’s shortcomings.
Conversely, going off traditional electricity means additional larger and more robust systems to meet the demands of a house running on solar power alone.
Although solar systems’ cost continues to drop every year, the average installation of a robust design will likely run you upwards of $10,000.
If you live entirely off the grid, you will have your solar batteries charge during the day and discharge at night – therefore, you’ll need a robust system.
#4. What’s Your Budget?
As we have previously mentioned here, the cost of installing a solar system doesn’t come cheap. However, the price has gone down considerably, and it also comes with low maintenance and connection costs thanks to government rebates and tax cuts.
The average cost of installing a solar power system in a typical residential home across the US is $2.60 per watt, although this may be affected by the system’s size.
However, to understand how much it will cost you to run your house on solar power alone, it’s necessary to compare quotations from different suppliers.
Conversely, check for quality equipment from qualified solar companies and ask if they provide warranties, regular servicing, and maintenance. Also, check for review and a reference from the previous client.
Can a House Run on Solar Power Alone? Making it Possible
Although factors like climate, annual energy consumption, and cost play a crucial role in making your dream a reality, don’t let these intimidate you.
Running your house on solar power alone is now simple thanks to advancements in technology and various government initiatives to use clean energy that have drastically lowered the installation cost.
Also, many qualified solar power systems suppliers understand what is needed to help you make the necessary change.
Most importantly, there’s a growing number of homes, particularly in areas with high solar resources that are off-grid and produce more power than they need, but only if they don’t use solar energy all the time.
4 Key Benefits of Solar Power
The sun offers more energy resources than we could ever use. Although the initial investment of installing a solar system can be expensive, you will enjoy the long term benefits and it´s also a green sustainable option.
There are many benefits you can enjoy if you want your house running on solar power alone. But here are a few of them:
#1 Cost Savings
Lowering the cost of your annual bills is a crucial motivating factor why most homeowners decide to go for solar energy. It’s an ideal choice for people looking to reduce their regular utility bills and making a long-term, low-risk investment.
Conversely, if you generate more power than you need, you can sell the extra power to the solar utility company. But laws regarding this can vary widely from one state to another.
#2 Environmental Impact
The international backing for clean energy has seen the cost of solar system installation reduce over the years. Governments across the globe have employed reimbursements and tax cuts to inspire interested individuals to adopt solar power.
Besides, solar power is environmentally friendly and does not emit any hazardous environmental emissions. Each Kilowatt-hour of energy generated by solar reduces greenhouse emissions by particularly CO2. It’s an excellent way to reduce your carbon footprint.
#3 Increases the Value of Your Home
Although it’s relatively complicated and not cheap building a solar power home, a solar energy system increases your home’s value by 20 percent. Homes with a solar system tend to sell more than those without, and a solar-powered property should pay off big time in the long run.
Many homes in America are increasingly switching to solar, with over a million installations annually. Besides, the real estate market is embracing solar technology to boost home valuation.
#4 Solar Energy Works Everywhere
If you desire to convert your home to run on comprehensive solar energy, the resource is enormous, and the sun’s rays are free. An hour of the noontime summer sun is enough to power your home for six to ten hours.
Running your house on solar power alone in places with notoriously short daylight hours may not be genuinely feasible. However, locales with low solar resources like Alaska and North America can also experience cost savings, although you can’t compare it to Florida.
Final words
Today, the need for clean energy is inevitable, and many homeowners are in a hurry to exploit the 30 percent federal tax credit. Besides, solar power allows you to take control of your bills and energy use.
Turning the sun’s rays into power is expensive, and if you’re planning to run your house entirely on solar power, it requires a considerable investment. However, if you’re serious about making the switch – don’t let that discourage you as there are many benefits of living off the grid.
We hope this article has answered the question, can a house run on solar power alone? And how you can make it possible. Generally, a wholehearted solar home is entirely wholesome, saves you money, and allows you to save the planet.
Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences of running a house on solar power alone in the comment section below. Thank you!
