Can I Power My Home Entirely with Solar?
With energy costs continuing to rise, many homeowners are searching for ways to reduce their bills. Switching to solar can cut your electricity costs by up to 70%, but is it feasible to rely on solar power alone? Let’s explore what it takes to run your home entirely off the sun.
Understanding Your Energy Needs
The typical Suffolk home consumes around 4,500 kWh of electricity per year. Of course, this varies depending on household size, the number of electrical appliances and overall energy habits. For perspective:
- A mobile phone uses roughly 2 kWh per year
- A fridge consumes between 400 and 1,000 kWh per year
- A laptop uses around 15-45 kWh per year
Knowing your energy usage is the first step in planning a solar system capable of powering your home independently.
What’s Needed for a Fully Solar Home?
To run your home on solar along, you’ll need more than just solar PV panels.
- Solar PV System: for a standard 3 bedroom home, this typically means around 10x 410W panels paired with a 5kW inverter.
- Battery Storage: essential for storing electricity to cover days with limited sunlight. Your battery capacity should match your average daily usage on a low generation day.
If your goal is for complete independence from the grid, you’ll likely need the largest system your roof can support along with sufficient battery storage to get through cloudy or overcast periods.
Is Going Fully Off-Grid Possible?
Yes, it’s absolutely possible to power your home with solar energy alone. The initial setup cost is higher than a solar system that works alongside the grid, but the long term benefits are significant.
A solar PV system can last over 30 years and batteries typically last up to 15 years. For a standard setup with battery storage, most homeowners see a return on investment within 8-12 years, depending on system size and capacity.
Going off-grid requires a larger system and more battery storage upfront, but it allows you to fully harness your solar energy, eliminating standing charges and grid supply tariffs altogether.
Take the Next Step
Running your home solely on solar isn’t just a dream, it’s entirely achievable. If you’re considering a full solar set up, Solar Suffolk can provide a free design consultation and bespoke quote tailored to your home and energy goals. Start your journey to energy independence today!
