How Much Roof Space for Solar Panels Is Necessary for Your Kansas City Home?

Solar panel roof upgrades are becoming increasingly popular for homeowners across the country. Still, many wonder how much roof space for solar panels they need. Balmer Roofing & Solar contractors specializing in solar roofing in Kansas City, KS, discuss some key considerations.

How Many Square Feet Does a Roof Need?

You’ll need to solve some basic calculations to discover how much roof space you need for high-efficiency solar panels. Start by recording how much power your Kansas City home consumes. 

In general, about one square foot of roof should generate 15 watts of power, depending on the quality of your solar array. Suppose your home consumes 20,000 watts of power (20 kilowatts). In that case, you will need over 1,300 square feet of roof space to power all your utilities and appliances.

Before planning your solar panel installation, ask yourself:

• If you want to be completely energy independent
• If you expect renovations or additions to your roof in the future
• How much you are willing to spend on solar panel installations

Solar Panel Ratings

Solar panels come in different shapes, sizes, and energy efficiency ratings. Some solar installers offer small panels with high energy ratings, while others provide large panels with lower energy output.

Depending on the architecture of your roof, it may be practical to invest in various solar panel shapes and sizes to optimize usable space around pipes and roof edges. Contractors can discuss your options during a consultation.

Directional Optimization

How much roof space for solar panels you need also depends on angling. South-facing panels receive more sunlight than north-facing panels. Hence, most companies will install your solar panels on the south-facing roof incline.

Inspect the south side of your Kansas City property to determine how much square footage is available. Suppose your south-facing roof does not have much room for solar panels. In that case, investing in fewer, high-power panels may be practical for optimal energy efficiency.

Budget Considerations

You may worry that investing in large solar panels is too expensive. However, with the proper installation and energy efficiency ratings, these arrays can pay for themselves.

Staying dependent on a Kansas City power grid will cost you thousands of dollars in utilities throughout the year. A large solar array can eliminate these costs and keep you off the grid entirely.

If you only need your solar energy solution to offset some costs or simply provide a reliable power source during blackouts, you may not need as much roof space for your panels.

Let Balmer Roofing & Solar Measure Your Kansas City Roof

You don’t need to calculate roof space for your solar panel installation alone. At Balmer Roofing & Solar, experienced technicians can inspect your property and recommend solutions that help you get the most energy efficiency from your roof.

These professionals can explain several reasons to install solar panels during a consultation if you have questions about this cost-saving solution.

Learn how much roof space for solar panels you need. Contact Balmer Roofing & Solar in Tonganoxie, KS.