How To Choose Solar Panels For Your Home

Choosing solar panels for your home starts with determining your energy habits and understanding the different panel options available. From there, you'll want to find a solar system that meets your household's demands. With Lion Energy, that decision becomes easier.

Whether you're looking to lower electricity bills, become more energy independent, or want to reduce your carbon footprint, this guide walks you through everything you need to make an informed decision.

4 Reasons Why American Homeowners Are Investing in Solar Power

Let's look at 4 key reasons homeowners across the US are switching to greener energy:

1. Cost savings

The average American household spends roughly $1,600 annually on electric utility bills, though the exact amount varies by location. Solar panels? They help you keep more money in your pocket.

By investing in a solar energy system, many homeowners can drastically lower costs - or even eliminate them. In fact, the average US household saves around $52,000 over 25 years with solar panels. However, the actual savings will depend on factors like where you live and the cost of electricity in your area.

2. Energy independence

Power outages have increased by 20% since 2019 across the United States, leaving families in the dark during storms, heatwaves, and grid failures.

Solar panels with battery storage systems give you reliable backup power when the grid goes down. This energy independence means essential household appliances (fridges, fans, lights) keep running and your family stays comfortable no matter what's happening outside.

Read more: Are Rolling Blackouts the Future of the US Power Grid?

3. Sustainability

Solar energy production produces zero carbon (CO₂) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. A 10 kWh residential solar panel system can slash your household's carbon footprint by about 4 tons per year.

By choosing solar, homeowners are actively fighting climate change while supporting the country's Federal Sustainability Plan to achieve net-zero by 2050.

Read more: Unlocking Energy Independence with Sustainable Energy

4. Increase home value

Studies show that homes with solar installations can sell for nearly $10,000 more than homes without them. That's an average 4.1% increase in property value for median-valued homes.

Buyers generally prefer energy-efficient houses with lower running costs. Solar panels make your property more attractive in competitive real estate markets, often leading to faster sales and better offers.

With these benefits in mind, let's now turn to the practical side of selecting solar panels for your home.

How To Choose Solar Panels for Your Home in 7 Easy Steps

Follow these seven steps and you'll have all the information needed to make the right choice for your home.

Step #1: Determine your energy needs

Before buying solar panels, you need to know how much electricity you actually use. Check your utility bills to find your average monthly consumption in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Most American households use between 800 and 1,000 kWh per month.

It's also worth mentioning seasonal variations, as summer air conditioning and winter heating can change your energy demand. Understanding these patterns helps you size your renewable energy system accordingly, ensuring it generates enough power for your lifestyle and needs.

Step #2: Understand solar panel types

Not all solar panels perform the same. Here are the three main types of residential panels:

1. Monocrystalline panels: The most efficient option with 18-22% efficiency ratings made from single silicon crystals. They're compact, perform well in low light, are ideal for smaller roofs, and last around 25 years. Lion Energy's 100W 24V Monocrystalline Solar Panels are perfect for home installations, smoothly integrating with solar generators, power stations, and other LiFePO4 batteries.

2. Polycrystalline panels: Made from multiple silicon fragments, these panels are more affordable but less efficient (14-20%). They require more roof space but offer good value for budget-conscious homeowners with ample installation area.

3. Thin-film panels: Flexible and lightweight, these panels are ideal for unconventional installations, such as on glass, plastic, or metal. They have a lower efficiency (10-13%) and a shorter lifespan (20 years) compared to monocrystalline options.

Step #3: Check solar panel efficiency & power output

• Panel efficiency: Tells you how effectively each panel converts sunlight into renewable energy. Higher efficiency panels mean more power from less space, which matters if your roof space is small or partially shaded.

• Power output: Measured in watts (W) or kWh, refers to how much electricity each panel generates under ideal conditions. Residential panels typically range from 300-450W.

To meet your energy needs (from Step #1), calculate how many solar panels you'll need based on their individual output and your home's daily consumption.

For example, if you need 30 kWh daily and choose 400W panels that produce roughly 1.6 kWh daily (in ideal conditions), you'll need about 19 panels to cover your energy needs.

Step #4: Determine solar panel placement

Next up is panel placement. Location matters significantly when it comes to solar performance. In the US, south-facing roofs capture most of the sun's energy throughout the year, increasing energy production. The ideal position is at an angle of 15-40 degrees.

North-facing roofs are the least favorable for solar panels in the Northern Hemisphere because they receive the least amount of sunlight. East- and west-facing roofs are viable alternatives; however, they generally generate 15-30% less energy compared to south-facing placements.

Climate is another thing that impacts your panel selection. If you live in hot states like Arizona or Texas, choose panels with high temperature performance ratings, as excessively high temperatures can reduce efficiency by 10-15%. Cooler climates, like those of Montana or Minnesota, benefit from panels that perform well in low-light conditions.

Step #5: Check for certifications & warranty coverage

In the US, high-quality solar panels must meet safety and performance standards. Before buying solar panels, make sure they've passed rigorous testing for electrical safety, fire resistance, and durability in harsh weather conditions.

A few certifications for residential use include:

• UL 1703: The main safety certification for panels in America and Canada.

• IED 61215/61730: Global standards for solar PV design and safety.

• NABCEP certification: North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners for solar installers.

Performance warranties are also important, as they show a manufacturer's confidence in their product. Trusted solar panel brands, like Lion Energy, back their panels with 5-year warranties, ensuring your solar investment is well protected.

Step #6: Consider costs

Understanding the pricing of solar power systems helps you budget better and compare various solar panel options. If you're just getting started or want a flexible, scalable solution for camping or home backup power, Lion Energy's 100W 24V Monocrystalline Panels are a great starting point.

With Lion Energy from My Generator Plus, you get a two-panel set for $299, making it easy and affordable to go off-grid. You can connect up to three panel sets (six panels) together, allowing you to build a 600W system that easily charges a solar battery while an energy storage unit stores excess energy for later use.

Here's a quick breakdown:

Step #7: Use reputable suppliers

It goes without saying that quality matters in your solar journey. Low-cost panels from unknown suppliers may save money initially, but often have shorter lifespans and limited warranties.

Your best bet? Stick with reputable solar companies with a proven track record in the US, like Lion Energy. When professionals handle the installation process, you'll have peace of mind knowing the solar system is properly set up, has comprehensive warranty coverage, and meets regulatory requirements.

Smarter Solar Panel Choices Start Here

Choosing the best solar panels for your home doesn't have to be complicated when you know which factors to consider.

By determining your energy needs, understanding panel types, and ensuring the system's power output can handle your consumption, you can confidently install solar panels that deliver reliable, clean energy for years to come.

With Lion Energy from My Generator Plus, you're guaranteed to get high-quality panels built for performance, portability, and reliability every time.

Contact us to discuss your needs today.

FAQs

How many solar panels do I need for my house?

The number of solar panels you need depends on your home's energy consumption/electricity demand, roof size, panel efficiency, and sunlight in your area. Most US homes require around 15-25 panels to cover electricity bills, but a professional assessment will give you the most accurate estimate.

Do I need battery storage with my solar panels?

Not necessarily. Solar panels work fine without batteries, but adding storage lets you "save" excess energy for later use. This is particularly beneficial during the night and/or outages.

What is the 30% Tax Credit for solar panels in America?

In America, the Residential Clean Energy Credit lets homeowners claim 30% of the cost of purchasing and installing a solar panel system against their federal taxes. Originally set to run through 2032, the rules have since changed; only systems installed and operational by 31 December 2025 now qualify.

References

https://www.newsweek.com/map-us-counties-blackout-electricity-power-outage-vulnerability-2113927

https://www.energysage.com/solar/much-solar-panels-save/#how-much-can-you-save-on-electric-bills-with-solar-by-state

https://www.solarreviews.com/blog/what-are-the-best-solar-panels-to-buy-for-your-home

https://www.ecoflow.com/us/blog/solar-increase-home-value

https://www.ecoflow.com/uk/blog/types-of-solar-panels