Going off-grid with solar in Arizona is more complicated than installing a grid-tied home solar energy system. You’ll need more solar panels than a grid-tied system as well as plenty of backup power. While we can’t pinpoint exactly how many solar panels and batteries you’ll need to go off grid without discussing your specific energy needs and location, we can give you a better idea of what it takes to run an Arizona off-grid solar home.
According to the EIA, American utility users consume an average of 893 kWh of electricity per month. That’s about 29.33 kWh per day. Most residential solar panels can produce between 250 and 400 watts per hour, depending on their size.
For simplicity’s sake, let’s say you decide to install 300-watt solar panels and your solar panels receive 6 hours of sunlight per day. You’ll be generating 1.8 kWh per panel per day. To meet the average requirement of 29.33 kWh of electricity per day for your household, then, you’ll need 17 solar panels.
Of course, this is just one example. To find out how many solar panels it would take to power your off-grid system, schedule a consultation with SouthFace Solar & Electric.
Backup Batteries & Generators for Off-Grid Solar
Because they are not connected to the electric grid, off-grid solar systems must meet the home’s electricity needs completely. This means they need to have backup power for use at night, on overcast days, and to maintain power if the solar panels malfunction or become damaged.
It’s best to have multiple sources of backup power for your off-grid home. A combination of solar batteries and generators will give you plenty of reliable backup power and the peace of mind that comes with it.
How much backup power you need for off-grid solar depends heavily on the amount of power you use and the amount of electricity your solar panels generate. SouthFace Solar & Electric can help you make the right solar battery and generator choice for your home.
Is Off-Grid Solar Right for Your Home?
Off-grid solar panels and solar batteries in the Phoenix, Arizona area provide a number of benefits. Off-grid solar is a great option if:
- You want to completely eliminate your electric bills
- You want full energy independence with zero reliance on the utility
- You want to drastically reduce your carbon footprint and live a more sustainable life
- You live in a remote area that does not have grid access
Get Free Advice from the Best Off-Grid Solar Company in Arizona
If you’re thinking about installing an off-grid solar system in Arizona, our number one piece of advice is to consult with an experienced off-grid solar company.
At SouthFace Solar & Electric, we install custom off-grid solar systems in Phoenix and throughout all of Arizona. We can help you understand how off-grid solar works and design the right system for your needs. We’ll walk you through how much an off-grid solar system costs and help you weigh the benefits vs. cost to help you make the best decision for your home.
Our team is passionate about solar energy and believes in its power to transform our customers’ lives. Reach out with any questions you have about off-grid solar and we’ll be happy to help.
FAQs
To meet the average requirement of 29.33 kWh of electricity per day for your household, then, you'll need 17 solar panels. Of course, this is just one example. To find out how many solar panels it would take to power your off-grid system, schedule a consultation with SouthFace Solar & Electric.
How many solar panels do I need to be completely off-grid? ›
At the end of the day, if you're wondering how many solar panels to run a house off-grid you will need, the answer is probably between 10 to 15. This will depend on how large your home is, how large your panels are, the panel material, and your average daily consumption.
How much power do you need to run a house off-grid? ›
How Much Wattage Do I Need for Off-Grid Living?
| Setup Type | Estimated Wattage |
|---|
| Small Setup (Minimalist Lifestyle) | 1,000 to 1,500 watts |
| Medium Setup (Standard Living) | 3,000 to 5,000 watts |
| Large Setup (High Energy Demands) | Over 8,000 watts |
Dec 11, 2023
One solar battery is probably enough if you're looking for resiliency to keep your home going through potential power grid lapses. 8 to 12 solar batteries is around what you'll need if your goal is self-sufficiency.
How much does a 400 watt solar panel cost? ›
The national average cost range for installing 400-watt solar panels is $5,000 to $9,000, with most people spending around $7,000 for 10 mono-si 400-watt panels fully installed.
Can you live off-grid with just solar panels? ›
Going off-grid requires energy storage (a lot of it)
An off-grid solar system can be a solid way to power a shed or a portion of your home, but it rarely makes practical and financial sense for a whole home, even with energy storage. On average, you'll need around 12 solar batteries to go off the grid.
How much is a fully off-grid solar system? ›
According to our research, off-grid home solar systems can cost around $45,000 to $65,000 — significantly more than traditional grid-tied panels. You can use off-grid solar panel arrays in remote regions with no electric service, and some homeowners go off-grid as a lifestyle decision.
What is the best power system for off-grid living? ›
What is the best off-grid power source? Solar energy is considered among the best off-grid power options, as you can generate solar electricity from anywhere and power your house or office.
How big a solar system needs to be to go off the grid? ›
The average off-grid home usually requires about 7 Kw (or 7000 Watts) of power to rely entirely on its own energy production.
Can you run a house on just solar? ›
The simple answer is: Yes, you can power a house entirely on solar power.
Adding batteries might be more beneficial if you frequently experience power outages or require a continuous power supply. Expanding your solar panel capacity could be a wiser choice if your energy demands are already met.
How much does a 10kW battery cost? ›
There isn't a single solar battery that's best for everyone. The cost of residential solar batteries ranges from $1,000 to $1,300 per kWh of capacity installed. Based on this, the cost of a 10kWh battery could range from $10,000 to $13,000, excluding any potential rebates or incentives.
Can you go off-grid without batteries? ›
Off-grid solar inverters have revolutionized the way we harness and utilize solar energy. Traditionally, solar energy was stored in batteries for later use. However, advancements in technology now allow us to use off-grid solar inverters without the need for batteries.
Who makes the best solar panels? ›
Compare the Top Solar Panels
| Company | Star Rating | Panel Warranties |
|---|
| Our Top Pick Silfab Solar GET QUOTE | 4.7 | 25 product and 30 year power |
| Panasonic GET QUOTE | 4.3 | 25 year product and power |
| Qcells GET QUOTE | 4.0 | 12-25 product and 25 year power |
| Canadian Solar GET QUOTE | 3.7 | 12-25 product and 25 year performance |
2 more rowsYes, solar power can power various household appliances, including a standard refrigerator, a mini-fridge, or an RV refrigerator. It would be best to have solar panels, a battery, an inverter, a charge controller, or only a solar generator to use solar power.
What appliances can a 400-watt solar panel run? ›
400 W panels are a perfect pair with a mobile home or boat anywhere and anytime! Appliances: Although they are more power-hungry, you can power appliances such as a microwave, washing machine, or refrigerator with 400 W panels – you may just need more than one!
Can 4 solar panels power a house? ›
Based on averages, you will find that: A one-bedroom house needs six solar panels (2.1kW) A three-bedroom house requires 10 solar panels (3.5kW) A five-bedroom house needs 14 solar panels (4.9kW)
How many solar panels do I need to be independent? ›
Therefore, to cover a medium-low consumption profile (1,800 kWh/year), you'd need approximately 6 solar panels. For medium usage (2,700 kWh/year), 9 panels would suffice. Households with medium-high consumption (4,100 kWh/year) should consider 13 panels.
How much solar to be self-sufficient? ›
Home square footage compared to the number of solar panels needed
| Home Size | Estimated Annual Electricity Needed | Number Of Solar Panels Needed |
|---|
| 1,000 sq. feet | 4,710 kWh | 8 |
| 2,000 sq. feet | 9,420 kWh | 16 |
| 2,500 sq. feet | 11,775 kWh | 20 |
| 3,000 sq. feet | 14,130 kWh | 24 |
Given the national average of 30 kWh daily energy consumption and 4.5 hours of peak sunlight, the average solar system size would be around 6 or 7 kW, but you won't know how big your system needs to be until you do the calculations.
Going off-grid with solar in Arizona is more complicated than installing a grid-tied home solar energy system. You’ll need more solar panels than a grid-tied system as well as plenty of backup power. While we can’t pinpoint exactly how many solar panels and batteries you’ll need to go off grid without discussing your specific energy needs and location, we can give you a better idea of what it takes to run an Arizona off-grid solar home.