One of the most common questions homeowners have when considering solar energy is how many panels are needed to power a typical home. Let’s break it down simply, using data from Meralco and solar industry standards in the Philippines.
1. Check Your Monthly Energy Usage
Start by reviewing your electricity bill to find out how much energy your home consumes per month. According to Meralco, the average Filipino household uses between 200-300 kWh monthly. This can vary depending on your appliances and usage patterns.
2. How Much Energy Does a Solar Panel Produce?
A standard solar panel in the Philippines generates about 250-400 watts per hour. One panel can produce around 4-5 kWh per day, assuming optimal sunlight conditions. In the Philippines, we typically receive around 4.5-5.5 peak sun hours per day, according to Meralco data.
3. Calculate the Number of Panels You’ll Need
To estimate how many panels your home will need, divide your monthly energy consumption by the energy output of a single panel.
For example, if your home uses 300 kWh per month:
One panel produces 150 kWh per month (5 kWh/day × 30 days).
To meet your 300 kWh/month requirement, you’ll need approximately 2-3 panels.
However, most homes require 10-15 panels to fully cover their electricity needs, depending on factors like roof size and sunlight exposure.
4. Why Go Solar?
Solar energy provides numerous benefits for homeowners:
Lower Electricity Bills: Solar power can significantly reduce your monthly electricity costs. In fact, solar energy can cover a large portion, if not all, of your energy needs.
Environmental Impact: According to Meralco, each solar panel helps reduce a household’s carbon emissions by up to 1.5 tons of CO2 annually.
Energy Independence: With solar panels, you rely less on the grid and are less affected by power outages or rising electricity prices.
5. Cost and Meralco’s Net Metering Program
Solar panel installation costs in the Philippines typically range from PHP 160,000 to PHP 800,000, depending on the system’s size. Additionally, Meralco offers a net metering program that allows homeowners with solar panels to sell excess energy back to the grid. This helps you save more and earn credits when your panels generate surplus power.
Switching to solar is a smart investment that offers long-term savings and environmental benefits. If you’re curious about how many panels your home will need or want more information about Meralco’s net metering program, contact Solaready for a consultation. We’re here to guide you every step of the way toward sustainable, clean energy.
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