How Many Solar Panels Do I Need?
One of the most common questions we get is: how many solar panels do I need? The honest answer — it depends. And that’s exactly why we don’t guess.
Here’s how we figure out the right number of panels for your home:
- Your Electrical Usage: We start with your electric bill to understand how much energy your household actually uses.
- Your Roof’s Specifics: Orientation, pitch, and shading all affect how much power your panels can produce, so we evaluate each of these factors.
- A System Sized For You: From there, we design a system built to cover your energy needs over the course of a full year.
- We Walk You Through Everything: Once the design is ready, we take you through it and your options so you know exactly what you’re getting and why.
You may also be wondering…
Will my solar panels work in the winter?
- Yes. Solar panels generate electricity from sunlight — not heat — so they continue producing power during Maine winters. Shorter days and occasional snow cover can reduce output, but cold temperatures can actually help panels operate more efficiently. Over the course of the year, your system is designed to account for seasonal changes in production.
Do solar panels have to face South?
- South-facing panels are ideal, but east- and west-facing systems can still produce more than 90% of the energy of a south-facing array. We’ll help design a system that makes the most of your roof’s orientation.
What type of solar panels do you install?
- We offer a wide range of solar panel options. Panels differ in size, wattage, efficiency, appearance, and cost.
- Larger panels often offer more wattage at a lower price. But sometimes using smaller panels can allow you to fit more on your roof. Appearance matters, too — some homeowners prefer the sleek look of all-black panels.
- When we meet with you, we’ll walk through a few panel options, compare costs, and explain the differences. We choose panels based on manufacturer reputation, product quality, availability, and long-term support.
