It’s a question that many commercial property owners who are considering converting to solar energy ask at some point in their decision-making process – how many solar panels do I need? It’s a question that can frustrate some people because it’s difficult to find a straight answer, and that’s for a good reason.
The number of solar panels your property will need largely depends on several factors. Knowing what those factors are can give you a better idea of the type of system you’ll need to fully power your property.
Factors that determine the number of panels needed
Energy consumption
The first thing you’ll need to determine how many solar panels you’ll need is how much energy your property uses. The easiest way to determine that is by combing through your previous utility bills. You can calculate the number of kilowatts used on average throughout the year and then figure out how many solar panels you’ll need based on their expected output.
Desired outcome
Another thing you’ll need to know before you can accurately answer the question of “how many solar panels do I need” is what you hope to achieve by installing the system. If you’re simply hoping to lower your monthly bills or shrink your property’s carbon footprint, then you can likely get by with fewer solar panels. However, if you want to completely eliminate power bills or even take advantage of net metering, you’ll need more to generate the required energy.
The size of the property
The size and layout of the property you want to convert to solar also plays a significant role in determining the number of panels you’ll need. Smaller properties tend to require less energy; therefore, they can likely get by with fewer panels than a larger property. However, more extensive properties have enough space for larger panels that can produce more energy, which can help keep the total number of panels needed down.
How much sunlight the property gets
Many factors can affect how much sunlight your solar panels get throughout the day. Things like shading from nearby trees, the area’s natural weather and seasonality, and the direction the panels are oriented can all block the sun and reduce the system’s productivity, forcing you to get more panels. So, before you can figure out how many solar panels you’ll need, you need to understand the amount of sun the property receives.
What type of panels you buy
Not all solar panels are created exactly the same. They don’t just vary in size. They also vary in the amount of energy they can make, so it will affect the total number you need for your property. More efficient panels tend to cost more, but that upfront investment can prevent you from having to buy additional panels.
Still not sure how many solar panels you need?
With so many different factors to consider, that’s perfectly understandable, but the team here at Green Commercial Systems is here to help. We specialize in providing optimal solar panel systems to commercial properties all across the nation, and we customize each one based on that property’s unique needs.
We’ll come onsite to evaluate your property and provide a custom-engineered solution designed to handle both electrical and mechanical elements of the project. After our comprehensive analysis, you’ll fully understand the feasibility and benefit of our solar solution. Learn more with the help of our FAQ, or you can connect with us online and a member of our team will reach out shortly.
