How Much Roof Space Do I Realistically Need For Solar?
When it comes to going solar, one of the most important aspects to consider is how much roof space will be needed to accommodate the system to adequately power your home with the sun’s rays.
Here at Solar Bear Orlando, we will walk you through what you need to know so you can start your solar journey in Central Florida confidently! Ready? Let’s get to it!
Solar Panels + Roof Space: What to Consider
When determining how much roof space you need for your solar array there are a few things to consider including:
- The efficiency and output of your chosen panels
- Shading from trees or other buildings
- Orientation and tilt angle of the system
All of these factor into your solar system’s performance as well as how many panels you will need to power your home.
Before we begin a solar install, our experts at Solar Bear Orlando will conduct a thorough site assessment to accurately determine the ideal size of your solar system. We will carefully analyze your home’s electricity consumption and available roof space which will allow us to design a custom array that will maximize your home’s potential.
So, How Much Space is Needed for Solar?
Generally, each square foot of roof space can generate about 15 watts of solar energy. So a small home might only need around 200 or 300 feet of roof space for a solar array, while a larger home would likely require more than 1,000 square feet to offset the home’s electricity needs.
The average American household uses a good amount of energy each day and to offset this efficiently, you will likely need 18 to 24 panels. Of course, to get optimal results, this means that your panels will need to have the best orientation and tilt, not be shaded, and your location should get adequate sunlight year-round. Florida is a great place to go solar! We’re called the Sunshine State after all!
So to find out how many solar panels your roof can support you can easily calculate it by:
- Multiplying the square footage of your roof by .75 (this takes into account the required solar setback)
- Take that number and divide it by 17.5 which is the square footage of a standard solar panel.
The resulting number is the maximum number of solar panels that your roof can safely support. Not sure or want to be more accurate? No worries! That’s what our team is here for. We can calculate how many solar panels your home will need and how many your roof can hold for you!
Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to how much roof space is needed for a solar array, which is why we’re here to help you make the most of the sunshine that Florida has to offer no matter the size of your home or business!
Contact Solar Bear Orlando Today
Ready to install solar at your Central Florida home or business? We can’t wait to help! We are here to ensure your solar array fits your roof like a glove. With our expertise, you’ll be reaping the benefits of solar power in no time.
Contact Solar Bear Orlando at (727) 471-7442 for a quote today! We are ready to design the optimal solar system that will meet your home’s energy needs.
