How Many Solar Panels Do I Need For 2000 kWh Per Month?
Producing 2,000 kWh per Month is a massive amount, especially if you’re considering using solar panels. However, with the proper setup, it’s entirely achievable. The number of solar panels you’ll need depends on factors like panel size, location, and other considerations. Let’s figure out how many solar panels you need for your goal of 2000 kWh electricity per month.
Calculating Solar Panels for Generating 2000 kWh per Month
For our calculation, we’ll consider using 400 Watts of solar panels and examine two scenarios:
First Case: States with 5-6 Hours per day of Sunshine
- In regions with 5-6 hours of daily sunshine:
- Each kW of the solar power plant can produce approximately 4.5 kWh per day.
- To determine the number of solar panels required:
- Calculate the daily power needed: 2000 kWh / 30 days = 66.67 kWh.
- Compute the daily power generated by one 400-watt solar panel: 4.5 x 0.4 = 1.8 kWh.
- Hence, the required number of solar panels is: 66.67 kWh / 1.8 kWh = 37 panels.
Case Two: Regions with Daily Sunshine Duration of 3.5-4 Hours
- In regions with 3.5-4 hours of daily sunshine:
- Each kW of the solar power plant can produce around 2.8 kWh per day.
- To calculate the number of solar panels needed:
- Find the daily power requirement: 2000 kWh / 30 days = 66.67 kWh.
- Determine the daily power generated by one 400-watt solar panel: 2.8 x 0.4 = 1.12 kWh.
- Thus, the required number of solar panels is approximately: 66.67 kWh / 1.12 kWh = 60 panels.
Different factors can affect the efficiency of solar panels. Some factors that affect plants are sunlight, temperature, direction they face, and obstacles blocking sunlight. Now let’s look at how various factors can affect the amount of energy produced by solar panels.
Solar Irradiation (Average Peak Sun Hours)
Solar irradiation is the amount of sunlight a location receives in a day. Typically, people measure it in average peak sun hours. The amount of sunlight you get depends on where you are and what time of year it is. California enjoys an average of 5.82 hours of peak sun per day, making it one of the best results in the country.
Solar Energy Potential
The solar energy potential of an area is pivotal in determining the power output of solar panels. Regions closer to the equator receive more sunlight throughout the year, resulting in a higher photovoltaic power potential.
Seasonal Variation
Solar irradiation in a given area fluctuates throughout the year based on seasonal changes. In summer, when days are longer, sunlight is more abundant, whereas in winter, with shorter days, solar radiation diminishes.
Impact on Solar Panel Requirements
States in the southwest of the United States receive a lot of sunlight. This means they need fewer solar panels. Regions with less sunlight need more solar panels.
Solar Panel Tilt Angle and Orientation
The angle of PV panels, including west-facing solar panels, is crucial for optimal performance when facing the sun. Studies show that in California, solar panels work best when tilted at a 19-degree angle all year. This optimal tilt angle ensures maximum sunlight absorption and energy generation throughout the year.
Shading
Even minimal shading from nearby structures or trees can substantially reduce solar panel productivity.
Temperature
Elevated temperatures can negatively impact solar panel efficiency, despite high sunlight exposure. Increased panel temperature leads to decreased efficiency.
Size of Solar System for 2000 kWh per month
To produce 2000 kWh per month, the size of the solar system needed depends on how much sunlight the state gets. Regions that receive an average of 4.5-5 hours of sunshine per day throughout the year require a 14,800 Watt solar system.
Areas with limited sunlight require a larger solar system to generate the same amount of energy. This system would need to be 24,000 Watts. These areas receive only 3.5-4 hours of sunlight per day.
You will need solar inverters to convert electricity. You will also need the right size solar cables for power transmission. Additionally, proper grounding is necessary for safety. Understanding the requirements of the components is important for setting up a solar energy system successfully.
This knowledge is necessary to ensure that the system functions properly. Without this understanding, there is a risk of errors or malfunctions occurring. Therefore, it is essential to thoroughly comprehend the specifications and requirements before beginning the installation process.
2000 kWh Per Month Cost
In the USA, the price of a solar system per watt usually ranges from $2.1 to $2.95. This cost can vary based on factors like the quality of installation equipment and the number of workers needed. Therefore, a solar system designed to produce 2,000 kWh per month can cost between $31,080 and $43,660.
Additionally, there may be additional expenses associated with solar installation because of various factors influencing the total cost. These factors include the accessibility of the rooftop, the need for battery backup systems, and other variables. Understanding and considering these factors are crucial for accurately estimating the total cost of installing a solar system.
Several factors influence the cost of a solar system installation:
1. Rooftop Type:
- Flat rooftops are more expensive and take longer to install than sloped rooftops. This is because they require additional structure and more time for installation.
- Rooftops with a steeper angle of inclination may require a man-lifter crane for installation, which increases installation costs.
2. Age of Rooftop:
- Older rooftops may require repairs before solar panel installation to ensure structural integrity.
- Failure to inspect and repair older rooftops before installation can result in higher repair costs later on.
3. Solar Panel Type:
- Solar panels categorize as monocrystalline or polycrystalline. Monocrystalline panels are more expensive but offer higher efficiency and are more compact.
- Monocrystalline panels are preferred for rooftops with limited shadow-free areas.
4. Solar Inverter Type:
- Commonly used for rooftop systems are two types of solar inverters micro-inverters and string inverters.
- Micro-inverters offer higher efficiency and system expandability but come at a higher cost.
- String inverters are cheaper but may be less efficient and have a shorter warranty period.
5. Tracking System:
- Tracking systems monitor weather conditions and solar power generation, aiding in estimating panel efficiency.
- While beneficial for utility-scale systems, tracking systems incur additional costs and are typically unnecessary for household installations.
6. Battery Backup:
- Adding battery backup for power outage protection increases overall system cost.
- The size of the battery bank required determines the cost of battery backup.
- Considering these factors is essential for accurately estimating the total cost of a solar system installation and ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
Number Of Solar Panels Needed For 2,000 kWh Solar System
|
State |
Required System size (kW) to produce 2000 kWh per month |
Required number of residential solar panels (rated at 330W) to produce 2000 kWh per month |
Estimated Cost (Before Tax Credit) |
|
Alabama (Montgomery) |
13.75 kW |
42 |
$33,700 |
|
Alaska (Juneau) |
31.2 kW |
95 |
$75,000 |
|
Arizona (Phoenix) |
11.3 kW |
35 |
$27,500 |
|
Arkansas (Little Rock) |
14.3 kW |
44 |
$43,700 |
|
California (Sacramento) |
12.5 kW |
38 |
$35,700 |
|
Colorado (Denver) |
13 kW |
40 |
$44,700 |
|
Connecticut (Hartford) |
16 kW |
49 |
$51,500 |
|
Delaware (Dover) |
15 kW |
46 |
$41,200 |
|
Florida (Tallahassee) |
13.8 kW |
42 |
$35,600 |
|
Georgia (Atlanta) |
14.3 kW |
44 |
$45,700 |
|
Hawaii (Honolulu) |
12.7 kW |
39 |
$33,900 |
|
Idaho (Boise) |
14.3 kW |
44 |
$41,900 |
|
Illinois (Springfield) |
15.4 kW |
47 |
$48,600 |
|
Indiana (Indianapolis) |
15.9 kW |
49 |
$57,700 |
|
Iowa (Des Moines) |
15.5 kW |
47 |
$53,400 |
|
Kansas (Topeka) |
14.5 kW |
44 |
$34,600 |
|
Kentucky (Frankfort) |
15.7 kW |
48 |
$36,700 |
|
Louisiana (Baton Rouge) |
13.8 kW |
42 |
$43,700 |
|
Maine (Augusta) |
16.3 kW |
50 |
$56,200 |
|
Maryland (Annapolis) |
15 kW |
46 |
$46,900 |
|
Massachusetts (Boston) |
15.7 kW |
48 |
$55,500 |
|
Michigan (Lansing) |
16.7 kW |
51 |
$63,100 |
|
Minnesota (Minneapolis) |
16.2 kW |
49 |
$55,800 |
|
Mississippi (Jackson) |
14 kW |
43 |
$36,900 |
|
Missouri (Jefferson City) |
15 kW |
46 |
$42,700 |
|
Montana (Montana City) |
15.7 kW |
48 |
$37,900 |
|
Nebraska (Lincoln) |
14.5 kW |
44 |
$41,000 |
|
Nevada (Carson City) |
12 kW |
37 |
$31,200 |
|
New Hampshire (Concord) |
16.25 kW |
50 |
$58,600 |
|
New Jersey (Trenton) |
15.4 kW |
47 |
$45,400 |
|
New Mexico (Santa Fe) |
11.8 kW |
36 |
$40,000 |
|
New York (New York) |
16.5 kW |
50 |
$57,400 |
|
North Carolina (Raleigh) |
14.3 kW |
44 |
$43,400 |
|
North Dakota (Bismarck) |
15.5 kW |
47 |
$37,500 |
|
Ohio (Columbus) |
16.1 kW |
49 |
$47,900 |
|
Oklahoma (Oklahoma City) |
13.4 kW |
41 |
$35,100 |
|
Oregon (Salem) |
17.3 kW |
53 |
$54,100 |
|
Pennsylvania (Harrisburg) |
15.8 kW |
48 |
$48,300 |
|
Rhode Island (Providence) |
15.75 kW |
48 |
$56,800 |
|
South Carolina (Columbia) |
14 kW |
43 |
$40,400 |
|
South Dakota (Pierre) |
15 kW |
46 |
$35,800 |
|
Tennessee (Nashville) |
15.3 kW |
47 |
$45,400 |
|
Texas (Austin) |
13.75 kW |
42 |
$38,000 |
|
Utah (Salt Lake City) |
13.75 kW |
42 |
$36,900 |
|
Vermont (Montpelier) |
17.2 kW |
53 |
$54,000 |
|
Virginia (Richmond) |
15 kW |
46 |
$45,600a |
|
Washington (Washington) |
15.1 kW |
46 |
$49,000 |
|
West Virginia (Charleston) |
16 kW |
49 |
$46,700 |
|
Wisconsin (Madison) |
16.25 kW |
50 |
$55,400 |
|
Wyoming (Cheyenne) |
13.8 kW |
42 |
$35,400 |
Please note that the numbers in the table only represent one city in each state, not the entire state. Distinct regions within the same state may necessitate varying system sizes to generate equivalent energy amounts.
Summary
A bigger solar system is often necessary to offset high electricity bills. Additionally, larger solar systems necessitate higher expertise for installation and maintenance. If you’re considering transferring to solar energy, don’t hesitate to contact our solar company. Our best-in-class team is here to assist you every step of the way in transitioning to solar power.