Now that solar panels have been around for a while, we have gotten pretty good at tailoring a solar panel array to meet the specific energy needs of each unique client. For instance, we can look at a home and make a pretty good estimation of how much energy each solar cell will produce factoring in how much sun the geographic region gets and how much of that sun will hit different parts of the roof. Once we know the average energy usage of a family, we do some calculations, and – Presto! – we can design a Panel Surya array that will produce the energy a family uses.
When a family sticks with this average energy usage, their panels will cover a majority of their energy needs. However, if they start using more energy, the panels just won’t be able to keep up. That’s why we might suggest a smaller solar array for a couple that doesn’t use a lot of energy and a bigger array for their next door neighbors who have five children, a pool in the back yard, and an electric car in the garage.
Some solar panel clients have been surprised to see their energy bills creeping up after they have gotten solar panels. This happens because they a
re using more energy than their array was designed to produce. For instance, during a cold winter when the heat is humming all day long, a family’s energy usage may outstrip what their solar panel array can produce. The result is an unpleasant surprise when the utility bill comes in the mail. The same holds true for a hot summer that requires lots of air conditioning. If a family increases their energy usage, perhaps by installing a heated pool , they may not see the savings they expected from the solar panel system.
That’s why it’s so important to estimate your average energy usage as accurately as possible when you purchase solar panels. If you had a mild summer and winter this year, your energy usage this year might be much lower than normal. If you know that you will be getting high-energy items, like an electric car or heated swimming pool, then let your solar panel company know so that their solar engineers can add that to the equation as they design your solar array.
If you have questions about how to calculate your average energy usage, contact OneRoof Energy for more information.
