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A whole-home solar system is a significant investment but has the potential to generate considerable returns. Solar power can allow you to become energy-independent and realize immense savings on utility bills. Like any big investment, you'll want to know exactly how much needs to be put in to assess if the return will be worthwhile. The first question most homeowners ask is, how many solar panels are needed to run a house? There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer, but some general considerations will help give you an idea.

Capital City Solar can comprehensively assess your home's energy needs and determine how many solar panels are necessary. Wondering how much solar power do I need for a whole-home solar system shouldn't intimidate you from converting to solar energy. Call us for a meeting, and we'll get you the information you need to make informed decisions.

Is a Whole-Home Solar System Worth It?

Harnessing the abundance of solar energy in northern California allows homeowners to achieve energy independence and reduce reliance on the grid and traditional fossil fuels. The results are significant cost savings and the satisfaction of ensuring a reliable and sustainable energy source for the home, regardless of external factors or price fluctuations.

• Energy Cost Savings - Significantly reduce or even eliminate monthly electricity bills, generating long-term savings on energy costs.
• Energy Independence - Achieve greater resilience during power outages, mandatory blackouts, and energy price fluctuations.
• Environmental Sustainability - Solar energy is clean and emits no greenhouse gases or harmful pollutants during operation, contributing to a healthier environment and mitigating climate change.
• Low Maintenance - Solar panels require minimal maintenance, typically limited to occasional cleaning, to ensure optimal performance. 
• Long-Term Investment - Solar panels have a long lifespan, typically 25 to 30 years or more. 
• Reduced Carbon Footprint - Reduce your carbon footprint with clean, renewable energy to combat climate change and positively impact the planet for future generations.

Financial Incentives

Government incentives, such as tax credits, rebates, and net metering programs, can help offset the initial cost of installing a solar system, enhancing its affordability and attractiveness.

California's Net Energy Metering (NEM) program empowers homeowners to earn money by selling surplus energy back to the grid. Excess power generated during sunny periods is fed back into the grid through NEM, effectively spinning the homeowner's electricity meter backward, thus earning credits. This arrangement incentivizes solar adoption and helps homeowners offset the initial investment of installing a whole-home solar system by turning their rooftop into a revenue-generating asset.

Homeowners transitioning to solar energy can benefit from various tax incentives and federal, state, and local rebates. Many local utility companies also provide additional rebates and incentives, making the switch to solar even more financially attractive for homeowners. These combined incentives help reduce the upfront cost of installing solar panels, making renewable energy more accessible and affordable for Californians.

Increased Home Value

Homes equipped with solar panels often command higher resale values and sell faster than comparable non-solar homes. Solar systems are considered desirable features by environmentally conscious buyers seeking energy-efficient properties. 

Whole-home solar systems can command premium prices in the real estate market. Factor in the potential ROI of your home's resale value when considering questions such as, how many solar panels do I need? And, how many solar panels are needed to run a house?

How Much Solar Power Do I Need?

Whole-home solar systems are comprehensive solar energy solutions designed to power an entire residence using sunlight. These systems typically consist of photovoltaic panels installed on the roof or in the surrounding property, along with inverters and batteries for energy storage and distribution.

Determining how much solar power do I need to power a home involves several considerations:

• Energy Consumption - Analyzing historical energy consumption data helps estimate the average amount of electricity a household requires over a specific period.
• Location and Climate - Solar irradiance varies depending on geographical location and climate conditions. Areas with more sunlight receive more solar energy, which impacts the size and efficiency of the solar panel system required.
• Roof Size and Orientation - The available roof space and its orientation relative to the sun influence the number and arrangement of solar panels that can be installed.
• Panel Efficiency - The efficiency of solar panels affects how much electricity they can generate from sunlight. High-efficiency panels may require less space but could come at a higher cost.
• Battery Storage - Incorporating battery storage allows for energy storage during daylight hours for later use, reducing reliance on the grid and ensuring power availability during periods of low sunlight or power outages.

Our dedicated technicians are committed to guiding you through every step of the process. We start with a comprehensive site visit to address all your questions and assess your energy needs. During this visit, we'll carefully evaluate your property's layout, orientation, and energy consumption patterns to determine the ideal size and configuration for your whole-home solar system. We can definitively answer your question of how much solar power do I need?

Whether you want to power your entire home or specific appliances and systems, we'll tailor a solution to meet your unique requirements. Moreover, our support extends beyond installation. We're here to assist you throughout the lifetime of your solar system. From routine maintenance to timely repairs and upgrades to accommodate additional power demands as your needs evolve, we're dedicated to ensuring that your solar investment continues to deliver reliable, cost-effective energy for years to come.

Is Solar Power Degradation a Concern?

Solar panel degradation should not deter you from installing a whole-home solar system. Solar panel degradation happens slowly, losing around 10-12% efficiency over a typical lifespan of 30 years. Proper maintenance and cleaning by certified solar panel technicians can mitigate solar panel degradation and make a whole-home solar system a worthwhile investment. 

Professional Services to Mitigate Solar Panel Degradation

Capital City Solar offers comprehensive repair and maintenance services designed to prolong the lifespan of solar panels and maximize energy production. Our team of experienced technicians conducts routine cleaning and output verification. We use advanced tools and processes to identify any issues early on and address them promptly. 

Professional installation and reliable repairs from our company are essential to ensuring that solar panel degradation does not outweigh homeowners' return on investment. With our expertise, homeowners can rest assured that their solar panels will be installed correctly and maintained to the highest standards. 

Schedule a Meeting for a Whole-Home Solar System Assessment

How much solar power do I need? How many solar panels are needed to run a house? These are essential questions to ask when considering installing a whole-home solar system. Capital City Solar can answer all these questions and provide every service necessary to achieve energy independence, from installation to upkeep.

While whole-home solar systems are a considerable investment, the costs can be offset by reduced energy bills and other incentives offered by federal and state governments. Investing in our professional services will also allow you to extend the lifespan of your solar panels and maximize energy efficiency. Start by scheduling a meeting with Capital City Solar and receiving an assessment of installing a whole-home solar system today.

Attaining a whole-home solar system may be a way to live out your values for sustainability, save money on utilities, or both. Getting your household running on renewable energy is a worthy goal with many benefits. Still, a few questions must be answered to ensure the project is feasible and cost-effective in the long run. How much solar power do I need to power my home? How many solar panels are needed to run a house? Will solar pane degradation be challenging to keep up with?

Luckily, Capital City Solar has the knowledge and experience to supply all the information you need when deciding if attaining a whole-home solar system is suitable for you. Our full range of residential solar services in the wider Sacramento metropolitan area will also ensure you maximize your ROI if you choose to make this significant investment.

What Is a Whole-Home Solar System?

A whole-home solar system is a comprehensive setup designed to provide electricity for an entire household using solar power. The system consists of solar panels installed on a home's roof or yard, harnessing sunlight to generate clean electricity.

Whole-home solar systems are scalable and can be customized to meet your household's energy needs.

Whole-home solar system:

• Provides electricity for the entire household's needs.

• Typically, it requires a larger number of solar panels to meet energy consumption demands.

• Includes a comprehensive setup with inverters, meters, and other necessary components.

• Offers greater energy independence and potential for significant cost savings on utility bills.

How Many Solar Panels Are Needed To Run a House?

How many solar panels do I need? The answer depends on how many solar panels are needed to power a house depends on factors such as:

• Household Energy Consumption

• Available Sunlight

• Geographical Location

• Efficiency of the Solar Panels

Geographical location and available sunlight can impact efficiency if obstructions, such as tall buildings or trees, are present. Homes near some industrial regions could also experience airborne particles settling on solar panels and restricting sunlight penetration.

Capital City Solar conducts a thorough assessment of every home's energy needs. It considers factors like location, obstructions, and the type of solar panels selected when installing a whole-home solar system. Once the energy needs are determined, our solar installers use various tools and calculations to estimate the solar array size required to meet those needs.

Some of the critical factors regarding this process include:

• Wattage

• Efficiency

• Roof Orientation (Tilt)

Our solar installers use various software programs and other tools to calculate the optimal size of the solar array. This calculation tells us exactly how many solar panels are needed to run a house and supply enough electricity to meet the home's energy demand. Part of our comprehensive services include a system inspection and output verification that can be performed throughout the lifetime of your solar system to ensure efficiency.

How Much Solar Power Do I Need?

The amount of sunlight required to power a whole-home solar system depends on similar factors weighed in the selection and number of panels, including the size of the system, efficiency, and the household's energy consumption habits. Generally, a whole-home solar system needs sufficient sunlight to generate enough electricity to meet the household's energy needs throughout the day and across different seasons.

Northern California is an excellent location for whole-home solar systems because the climate provides ample sunlight throughout the year. Our location enjoys many clear days with minimal cloud cover, allowing for maximum energy production. Many homes have enough surface area for solar panels to be placed to convert sufficient energy for their demands.

Your household's energy consumption may be the most significant factor to consider. Our solar services include battery backup installation to add resilience to your whole-home solar system. Battery backup systems can come in handy during periods of low sunlight, power outages, or if you have an electric vehicle that requires substantial energy to charge. Contact Capital City Solar to assess your home and learn how we can deliver a whole-home solar system to meet its demands.

Is a Whole-Home Solar System Worth It?

Converting your home to run entirely on solar power can require a significant investment in time and money. Transitioning to a whole-home solar system could also require households to adjust how they think about energy consumption.

Though sunlight availability is not typically an issue in Northern California, it could be helpful to understand the concepts of limiting energy-intensive activities for times of peak solar generation and considering energy-efficient appliances and practices to maximize the benefits of solar power. Nevertheless, integrating battery storage solutions offered by Capital City Solar has effectively eliminated our customers' hurdles to adaptation.

The costs of transitioning to a whole-home solar system can be offset in several ways. For example, your home's resale value could rise substantially if it features total energy independence from the public grid. Californians were early adopters of solar roofing technology, and homes with it are always in demand in the real estate market.

Other ways solar power can give a high return on your investment include:

• Reduced Carbon Footprint - Reducing your impact on the environment is a noble goal. For some people, preserving resources for future generations is reason enough to utilize solar energy at home.

• Lower Utility Bills - Even when factoring in the costs to repair or maintain solar panels, solar panels can eventually pay for themselves by lowering homeowners' annual energy costs. How much money you save through energy independence will vary depending on current energy costs and your yearly consumption rate. Nevertheless, our high-quality installations will last for decades and provide plenty of time for your investment to pay off in the long run.

• Safeguard Against Power Disruptions - Solar energy systems can protect your household against various costly and frustrating issues that occur when public utility grids fail. Spoiled food, frozen pipes, damaged appliances, lost productivity, and other problems are less likely to affect your home with a reliable whole-home solar system.

Solar Panel Degradation

Will I have enough sunlight to power my house? How many solar panels do I need? These are the usual questions asked when considering if going off-grid with a whole-home solar system will be worth the cost, but you should also factor in the rate of solar panel degradation and maintenance costs.

Fortunately, solar panel degradation happens slowly. Some brands we install are designed to last at least 40 years, while others can last 25 years or longer before any issues develop. Capital City Solar is a one-stop shop for all your solar panel needs, including assessments, installation, output verification, and cleaning and maintenance.

While high-quality panels will last for decades, some cleaning and maintenance will be required throughout their lifespan to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Northern California and the Sacramento area are generally windy and have many trees. Pollen, leaves, dust, and pollution travel through the air and can build up on panels and obstruct sunlight. Dirty panels alone can cause lost energy output of as much as 10%.

We typically recommend cleaning your solar panels at least once a year. Damage to panels from tree limbs, hail, and even animals is also bound to happen within their long lifespan, affecting energy output. No one is better qualified to clean or repair your complex solar array than the people who installed it, and we service thousands throughout Northern California each year.

An annual service is also a great time to allow us to perform a 30-point inspection to verify energy efficiency. Let us install your whole-home solar system and gain peace of mind that you'll receive expert maintenance and care to achieve peak performance year-round and a maximum return on your investment.

Solar Panels Can Follow You If You Move

Due to the typically long lifespans of high-quality solar panels, it's common for homeowners to be wary of installing them if they plan to buy a new house eventually. While you could recoup some of their cost by increasing the price of your home when selling, you could also take them with you. The process is simple with the removal and replacement for re-roofing services Capital City Solar provides.

Our company specializes in removing and reinstalling solar panels, ensuring that you maximize the return on your investment regardless of your relocation. And, because solar panels can outlive the roof they're installed on, our services extend to facilitating roof repairs or replacements by safely removing and later reinstalling the solar array.

Solar roof installations are intricate, and finding professionals willing to undertake removal and re-installation can be challenging. We have successfully performed these services for hundreds of clients across Northern California. Our team has the expertise and tools to handle the process efficiently and effectively, ensuring your solar energy system operates at peak performance when it is reinstalled on the new roof.

In situations where immediate re-installation isn't feasible, we offer secure storage options for a fee, providing peace of mind during moves or roof repair projects. Our storage facilities are designed to protect your investment until it's ready to be reinstalled, offering a convenient solution to accommodate your needs.

Don't feel as if investing in a whole-home solar system will tie you down. Our removal and re-installation services are second to none regarding safeguarding your solar investment and facilitating seamless transitions. Trust our team to handle the complexities of solar panel relocation with precision and care, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of clean, renewable energy wherever you go.

When Will I Start Seeing a Return on My Investment With Solar Energy?

A great benefit of solar power and energy independence is that you quickly start seeing a return on your investment. The initial cost of installing solar systems has dropped considerably over the years, making the technology much more accessible than ever. On average, it will only take a few years before your savings on electricity bills start making you wonder why you didn't buy in sooner. Also, consider that solar panel degradation is slow, and your system should last 25 years or longer, meaning your savings will have decades to add up to a healthy ROI.

Call Us Today For Energy Independence

Investing in a whole-home solar system brings value and peace of mind. Significantly lower utility bills and the slow rate of solar panel degradation ensure a hefty return on your investment. Our professional team has helped thousands of homeowners around Sacramento and Northern California achieve energy independence. We also provide a full range of solar services, including cleaning, maintenance, removal, and re-installation, to help you feel confident with your transition.

It's common to have so many questions about this technology that you don't know where to start: How many solar panels do I need? How much solar power is necessary? Will it be worth the cost in the long run? Our experts will comprehensively assess your property to answer everything and make you see the value of solar energy. Contact us today to learn more about the extensive services and solutions available from Capital City Solar.

Starting April 2023, the state of California will be implementing a new version of the net energy metering (NEM) program, known as NEM 3.0. This new law will have a significant impact on new solar purchases in California. On December 15th, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), voted unanimously to approve this new version of the NEM program. In this article we will cover the NEM program, what is changing with the newest version of NEM, and provide some advice for people looking into going solar.

What is NEM and How Does it Work?

NEM is a program that allows customers with solar panels to receive credits on their utility bills in exchange for the excess energy they generate and feed back into the electric grid. These credits can then be used to offset the cost of the energy they consume from the grid, especially during times when their solar panels are not generating enough energy, such as at night or Winter months.

The current NEM 2.0 program has been in place since 2017. It has been super popular with solar customers, as it helps them save a good amount of money on their energy bills through excess energy credits. Because of its benefits to customers, the NEM program, and specifically NEM 2.0, has been a crucial part of the continued growth of renewable energy in California. However, with the increasing number of solar panels being installed, CPUC and the state have decided to update the program with the goal to continue to serve the needs of customers and the electricity grid. Let's dive a little deeper into the new version.

What is Changing with NEM 3.0?

Under NEM 3.0, new solar customers will no longer receive full retail credit for the excess energy they generate and feed back into the grid. Instead, they will receive a lower “time-of-use” credit based on the time of day when the energy is fed into the grid. This means that customers receive a higher credit for excess energy generated during times when the demand for electricity is high, such as a hot afternoon, and a lower credit for energy generated during times when demand is low, such as night or early morning. Overall, the credits earned for excess energy are expected to be about 75% less under NEM 3.0 than they were under NEM 2.0.

This change is designed to encourage customers to generate and feed energy back into the grid during times when it is most needed and to reduce the strain on the grid during times of high demand. However, it also means that new solar customers will likely receive lower credits for their excess energy, which may impact their overall savings from solar.

What Does this Mean for Customers Considering Solar?

For customers considering solar, the implementation of NEM 3.0 means that it is more important than ever to act quickly to take advantage of the current NEM 2.0 program. Customers who install solar before April 2023 will be “grandfathered” into the NEM 2.0 program and will continue to receive full retail credit for their excess energy for 20 years.

For those who wait until after April 2023, the lower credits under NEM 3.0 may impact their overall savings from solar. However, even with the changes to the NEM program, solar remains a smart investment that can help customers save money on their energy bills while also reducing their carbon footprint and supporting the growth of renewable energy. Adding a backup storage system to your solar project is another option for solar customers. A backup battery system provides solar customers more independence from utility companies.

If you are considering solar, we highly recommend speaking with a solar professional as soon as possible to understand the benefits and potential impacts of NEM 3.0 on your energy savings. At Capital City Solar, we have years of experience helping customers make the switch to solar and would be happy to answer any questions you may have; feel free to contact us.

In conclusion, NEM 3.0 represents a significant change to the net energy metering program in California.. For customers looking to install solar, it is important to act quickly to take advantage of the current NEM 2.0 program before it expires in April 2023. For those that are a few years away from considering solar, even with the new law, it will remain a smart investment that can help you save money on your energy bills while reducing your carbon footprint. While the changes to NEM may impact your overall savings, the benefits of solar are still substantial and should not be overlooked.

As more and more homeowners in the Sacramento Valley and surrounding areas begin to explore the benefits of solar energy, there are several common questions that we encounter. The questions often relate to costs of the system and installation, return on investment, and access to incentives and rebates. In this blog, we will take a closer look at some of the most common questions homeowners have when considering solar energy.

What are the costs associated with solar energy?

One of the most common questions homeowners ask when considering solar energy is about the costs associated with installation. The cost of solar panels and installation can vary, depending on factors such as the size of the system and the location of the home. However, many homeowners can expect to see a return on investment within a few years, and the savings on electricity bills will continue for the life of the solar panel system, which can be 25 years or more. It's important to note that the cost of solar energy has dropped significantly in recent years and continues to do so making it more affordable for the average homeowner.

Are there any incentives or rebates available?

Homeowners also tend to ask about the availability of rebates and incentives, and whether or not they have access to certain programs that lower their overall expenses. The state of California does offer a variety of incentives and rebates to encourage homeowners to go solar. For example, the California Solar Initiative offers rebates for panel installation, and the California Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program allows homeowners to finance their installation of solar panels through their property taxes. For homeowners within their service area, the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) offers a stipend for those who install solar panels.

How does the installation process work?

Homeowners often have questions about the process of solar panel installation. Typically, the process will begin with a consultation with a solar panel provider, during which the provider will assess the homeowner's energy needs and determine the optimal solar panel system for their specific home and situation. The solar provider or company will also handle all necessary permits and inspections, and will coordinate the installation of the solar panels. It's vital for homeowners to find a reputable solar panel provider who can guide them through the process and answer all of their questions.

How does net metering work?

Net metering is a billing arrangement that credits solar energy system owners for the electricity they add to the grid, commonly referred to as excess energy. In California, homeowners with a solar energy system are eligible for net metering, which allows them to sell any excess solar energy they generate back to their utility company. This can provide additional financial benefits to homeowners considering solar. The net metering laws change April 2023, read about NEM 3.0 (change link to first article when it is on the website).

What are the maintenance requirements for solar panels?

Solar panels require minimal maintenance, and most solar panel systems come with a 25-year warranty. Homeowners typically only need to keep their solar panels clean by occasionally wiping them down with a damp cloth and ensuring that there are no trees or other objects blocking the sun's rays.

What happens in case of a power outage?

Many homeowners ask about what can happen in the case of a power outage. Some solar energy systems also come with battery backup systems that can store energy generated during the day for use during an outage. Also, when your system is unable to produce the amount of energy needed, such as night time or cloudy days, most solar energy systems are connected to the grid, which ensures access to electricity.

In conclusion, solar energy is becoming increasingly popular in California as more and more homeowners realize the benefits of this clean and sustainable energy source. The costs of solar panels and installation have come down significantly in recent years and many homeowners can expect to see a return on investment within a few years. The installation process begins with a consultation with a solar panel provider, who will handle all necessary permits and inspections and answer any questions the homeowner may have. Net metering is also available in California and allows homeowners to sell excess energy back to the utility company, providing additional financial benefits. Finally, solar panels require minimal maintenance and come with a 25-year warranty, and a backup system is available in case of a power outage.

If you're a homeowner considering solar in the greater Sacramento area, including but not limited to: Davis, Roseville, Rocklin, Granite Bay, Lincoln, or El Dorado Hills, it's important to do your research, find a reputable solar panel provider, and have all your questions answered before making a decision. Solar energy is a smart investment that will not only save you money on electricity bills, but also help reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner environment. With a little research and guidance, you'll be on your way to a more sustainable and energy-efficient home in no time.