In recent years, the price of solar panels has lowered, and the popularity behind them has soared. As a leading participant in green energy, solar panels are an excellent replacement for conventional electricity.
In this blog, we will discuss:
- Why do people opt for solar power vs electricity?
- Is solar power better than electricity?
- Do you save more money with solar power than electricity?
- Are solar panels enough to power a home?
Why Do People Opt for Solar Power vs. Electricity?
Solar panels are an eco-friendly approach to electricity. As benefits have become more evident, people have started to opt for solar power over traditional electricity.
Benefits include:
- Increased home value
- Lower rates compared to electricity costs
- Doesn’t release greenhouse gases into the home, such as carbon dioxide or harmful pollutants
- Reliable backup power if the grid goes down
- Eligible for tax breaks or cash incentives
This power system is now more reliable and accessible than ever. With a better return on investment and decades of continued benefits, solar power is becoming a leading electricity alternative.
Is Solar Power Better Than Electricity?
Solar panels are a better option for environmental impact and cost-effectiveness than classic electricity. While “better” is a subjective term based on your home’s needs, solar panels have been proven to save money in the long run.
Do You Save More Money With Solar Power Than Electricity?
Solar power can both increase home value and decrease utility bills. There are evident advantages of replacing a gas system by harnessing energy from the sun. The price of electricity has seen an increasing rise, over 4.3% in 2021 alone- so buying solar panels may save the cost of running power.
Solar panels also have low maintenance costs. As no moving parts get worn or need replacing, this solar power system only requires to be kept clean. This periodic cleaning just keeps the system clear of unnecessary/object shadows. With proper maintenance, installed solar panels can have a lifespan of upwards of 25 years.
As with any investment, there are pros and cons of solar power. While solar power installation costs upwards of $10,000, you will continue saving money as your panels will last for over two decades.
Are Solar Panels Enough To Power A House?
To be simply put, yes! The size of your home will determine how many solar panels are needed to power all electricity needs. This residential solar panel installation process is personalized to your home so that the quantity will vary. If you are curious about how to determine the number of panels needed for your home, follow the steps below.
- Determine how many kWh (kilowatt hours) you use in your house. This can be found on your last utility or electricity bill.
- Divide the number in Step 1 by the solar panel production estimate. A more specific estimate will vary depending on variables such as regional sunshine coverage. Arizona (1.31) and Maine (1.61) have the highest and lowest U.S. solar production rates- so you can estimate your location between these two.
- Divide the number found in Step 2 by 250, which is the wattage of an average solar panel. Broken down, the math will look something like this:
- ~11,000 kWh of annual electricity usage/1.31 (Arizona rate) = 8,396.9
- 8,396.9 / 250 = 33.58. This will round up to 34 panels needed for a home.
This rough calculation should not replace a professional’s evaluation but is a helpful tool to help you understand your home needs. Homes will require, on average, between 17 to 42 solar panels. With an accurate solar panel system, your home can be adequately powered through solar panels alone.
Our World Energy is Here to Serve
Our World Energy revolves around powering yours. As trusted experts, we can install a solar energy system to transform your energy needs!
Contact our team today for a free consultation, and allow us to fulfill your family’s needs.
