How many solar panels your home will require is dependent on many factors; for example, the size of your house, how many people reside there and whether your home is insulated will all have an impact.
Calculating your average power usage is essential in planning how many panels you would need, with energy providers using a measurement called kilowatt hours (kWh). A kilowatt-hour is equivalent to 1,000 watts of energy used over a one-hour period. A fridge-freezer would take around 26 hours to use one kWh, whilst an oven would use around two kWh in just 30 minutes.
Solar panels
In general, domestic-use solar panels produce between 250 and 400 watts per hour per panel.
Solar panel systems usually generate between one and five kilowatts of electricity. A 5kw system can produce around 4,500 kWh of power per year, with a loss occurring due to adverse weather. With the average UK household using 3,731 kWh per year, a 4-5kw system would provide ample energy.
It is crucial to calculate the dimensions of the roof area to establish how many panels can reasonably be accommodated. A 3kw system would consist of around 12 panels, whereas a 14kw system would require 14 to 15 panels.
Installation
An MCS-accredited supplier of solar panels Gloucester or elsewhere in the UK will be able to advise on the exact requirements, the roof mounting systems, and the relevant planning permission requirements. The installation of a home energy storage battery is also recommended for those who have solar panels Gloucester.
A battery ensures your home has access to a backup supply of power, which can either be used in case of a fault or donated back to the grid in exchange for credits.
