What Can You Power with Solar Panels?
By: Eric Huesca, SEO Content Writer
November 14, 2022
Solar panels have changed the world forever. Leveraging the abundant energy produced by the sun, solar panels help convert light into particles of energy, known as photons which help generate electricity for powering everything. Some notable applications include remote sensing, telecommunications equipment, cabins, and more.
Both residents and businesses can rely on solar electric systems for getting things done. However, the size of the solar panel installation influences what the solar panels can power. Also, you have to consider how much energy you would use at home which will come from solar. There are plenty of reasons why getting solar panels is a great idea.
Large solar panel installation on a large slope roof
Even though you might be intimidated by the initial installation costs, you need to realize that electricity would be produced for anywhere from 15 to 20 years or even more depending on maintenance. Besides, it is important that you ditch your dependence on the grid and cut down your electric bills. Anyone who has installed solar panels knows just how amazing they are. After all, you have the option to sell the excess power produced to your electric utility company or have it stored in batteries. If you are considering getting solar panels for your home or business, here’s everything you need to know.
Energy Usage of a Home
When it comes to solar panel usage, it is clear that it is a far more practical option for the production of electricity. Homeowners can rely on solar panels as power tools. In order to stop stressing about when will the power be back in my area, you need to consider installing solar panels for your home. It even allows you to live off-grid in a remote home or cabin. Since you no longer have to pay huge fees for installing the cabling and electric utility poles, you should be able to make the switch to solar panels. The following will help you get an idea about the energy usage of a house.
- Air Conditioning and Heating
One of the main uses of electricity is for air conditioning and heating. Whether a person lives in a warm climate or a cool climate, there is a need for an air conditioning and heating system to maintain the temperature of the property. The demand for air conditioning and heating has been on the rise year after year. In fact, it was found that 87 percent of homes have an air conditioning unit in 2015. Therefore, it should be clear that the HVAC system uses a huge amount of energy. Regardless of how efficient the system is, it is likely to consume anywhere from 850 to 1,950 kWh a month.
- Water Heater
Another major consumer of electricity is the water heater in your home. In order to power it, you require about 13.5 kWh a day. No matter how careful you are, it would increase your energy consumption. Although more homes have been insulated than ever before, you have to account for water heating usage.
- Refrigerator
Every house has a refrigerator. It is difficult to imagine a life without it. You have to understand that even an average refrigerator would use 162 kWh a month. It is an appliance that will consume most of the electricity. This is why you will have to account for the increase in energy consumption. However, the amount of electricity used by the refrigerator depends on the climate. If you live in a hotter region, you would have to spend more. Moreover, it is quite common for people to have freezers in their homes as well.
- Washer and Dryer
In addition to the above, washers and dryers also consume a great deal of energy. Most houses have a separate washer and dryer. Since people wash their clothes every week, these appliances use a ton of electricity. Hence, you will have to consider their use when getting solar panels for your home.
- Electric Oven and Stove
In order for people to cook, they require an electric oven and stove. An oven normally uses 2,500 watts, whereas, a stove uses 1,500 watts for producing medium to high heat. If you use these appliances for an hour every day, they would consume 75 kWh and 45 kWh every month. In fact, the oven can heat up your home and increase the lead on your air conditioning unit.
- Dishwasher
A dishwasher is an absolute must as it allows you to keep all those dishes clean. Although you can try to wash only full loads and turn off the heated dry, it would increase your electricity consumption. On top of this, the dishwasher would require your air conditioning unit to work harder.
- Lighting
Lastly, you must not forget about lighting. After all, it uses a ton of electricity. This is especially true if you keep the lights on throughout the day and don’t take advantage of natural light. Every room in a house has lighting. The fact is that it is the norm for each room to have multiple light bulbs. When you add all the light bulbs in a house, you would easily conclude that there are 50 bulbs in your home. Thus, your lighting would use 300 kWh a month.
- Television and Media
All that Netflix binging increases your energy use. Many people rely on a variety of electronic entertainment such as televisions, video game consoles, and other equipment. It is important to mention that people are watching more shows and playing more video games than ever before. This is why you can’t overlook the amount of electricity consumed by your television and media.
Transportation Powered by Solar Panels
Solar panels have come a long way. Today, it is possible for electric vehicles to generate energy from solar panels. Many companies have emerged that leverage solar power to produce ultra-modern solar vehicles. The fact is that solar transport has become huge in recent times. It is no longer a pipedream and is influencing the status quo. Technological advancements have been made by the industry and cars have been launched which use solar.
For instance, the Sonato Hybrid is a notable solar-powered car that has become the talk of the town. It features rooftop solar panels which help boost the fuel efficiency of the car, reduce its carbon dioxide emissions, and support the electric power source. Sono Motors has also embedded invisible solar cells in the brand-new Sion which are hidden underneath a special coating. The solar vehicle has a battery capacity of 35 kWh and can be driven up to 155 miles on a full charge. Another great example worth considering is the Lightyear One which can cover 497 miles on a full charge. This solar electric vehicle by Lightyear, a well-known automobile company aims to introduce advanced technologies and new designs. Moreover, Tesla Motors is always coming up with innovative electric vehicles that are just as robust.
Power Storage
When it comes to energy produced by solar panels, the excess energy can go into battery storage and be used later on. This means that you can move towards self-reliance. If you are looking for a complete solution, you will be delighted to know that solar technology has advanced considerably over the years. Now, it is very much possible to have all the excess energy produced stored. Therefore, you would not need to stress about the electricity going to waste. All you need to do is invest in quality battery storage. It should handle everything. What makes power storage extremely popular is the fact it ensures that you don’t have to stress about any power outages or cuts. Instead, you can simply rely on your own electricity for all your needs. Through power storage, you can even live a remote lifestyle. It would allow you to move to just about any area as long as there is sufficient sunlight there.
Net Metering
Since power storage is not always the best option, net metering is ideal in most situations. It ensures that excess energy produced by your solar panels goes back into the power grid. Best of all, the energy that is received by the power grid is credited. This allows you to ensure that none of the solar power goes to waste.
It is quite common for users of rooftop solar systems to face a mismatch between power generation and consumption. As you might already know most of the solar power generation occurs during the afternoon when consumption is at its lowest. If this mismatch is not managed properly, the excess energy would be simply wasted. Therefore, it has to be either fed to the power grid or stored in batteries. This is where net metering comes into the picture.
For those of you that don’t know, net metering is a great solar energy solution that exports the excess solar power produced during the day to the grid and helps reduce your electricity bills. The exported units net off the units imports. This helps reduce your reliance on the grid and reduces overall electricity consumption. The units exported are offset by your energy consumption during the night when there is no solar production and an increase in energy use. Here are some of the benefits of net metering that you should know.
- Cuts Down Your Electricity Bills: One of the best things about installing solar panels is that they help reduce your electricity bills significantly. You can easily sell the excess energy back to the power grid and cut down your electricity bills. It makes for the perfect billing mechanism, one which enables a quick return on your investment.
- Contributes to the Power Grid: When you have a net-metered solar system in place, it allows you to contribute to the power grid. It is an inexpensive source of green energy. The Government encourages the installation of these mini solar power plants as it ensures minimal capital investment in power generation infrastructure.
- Promotes Investment in the Industry: A great thing about net metering is that it adds substantial value to your home. Many homebuyers prefer to purchase a property that has a solar system in place. This drives more investment and creates more jobs for researchers, electricians, engineers, installers, and manufacturers.
Reduces Carbon Footprint: Global warming is a serious issue. In order to tackle the issue, net metering needs to be considered. It encourages homeowners to reduce their carbon footprint. Only through net metering does it become possible to provide energy to the power grid and decrease overall dependence on fossil fuels. By providing clean green energy to the power grid, there would no longer be a need to burn fossil fuels
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Solgen Power is a solar energy contractor that sells and installs solar for homeowners. Solgen Power has been recognized by INC. 5000 as one of the fastest growing companies in the nation. Solgen Power has grown nationwide and continues to provide excellent customer service to homeowners.
