The average mobile home requires a solar array of about 5 kilowatts for all the appliances and electronics that live inside.
It is hard to estimate how many panels you will need because it depends on the wattage output of your solar system. The good news is that most systems come with a warranty!
You may have seen some of the different solar panels available on the market and are thinking, “How many solar panels do I need for my mobile home?”. There isn’t a simple answer to this question as it is complicated by your location, climate, usage habits, and more.
The rule of thumb is that you will need approximately 400 watts per square foot for optimal use.
Also Read: Best Generator For Mobile Home
Can Mobile Homes Have Solar Panels?
The answer is “yes, they can.” However, many people assume that the only way to go solar is with an expensive installation on a fancy new home.
For those who are renting or living in a manufactured home community where panel installations are not allowed by law, this assumption can be disappointing.
Fortunately, solar power options for people living in mobile homes are much more flexible than one might expect.
How Many Solar Panels Do I Need For A Mobile Home?
This blog post is for people who are considering installing solar panels on their mobile homes.
There are a lot of factors to consider when determining how many panels you need, so this article will help you figure out the best solution for your unique situation.
1. Do you have access to direct sunlight?
One of the biggest concerns for people with mobile homes is finding a place where they can install solar panels.
Most mobile homes are built on park-approved foundations, so there is often very little space between the home and the ground.
This makes it difficult to support heavy solar panels that are needed for most solar installations.
Solar Solution: There are some “low profile” photovoltaic (PV) mounts that can be installed close to the roofline of your mobile home without requiring any additional structural support.
Because these systems don’t require roof penetrations or lots of extra wiring, they usually cost less than traditional solar installations in addition to being easier to install.
These low-profile mounts also require very little maintenance and typically last longer than roof-mounted systems because they are protected from the elements.
2. How many hours of sunlight does your area receive?
To figure out exactly how many solar panels you need, you must determine what kind of climate you live in. While mobile home parks typically have electricity available, it is usually more expensive than solar power due to its reliance on fossil fuels.
In addition, using less electricity can reduce wear and tear on mobile home appliances which help keep utility costs down for the long term.
Solar Solution: The amount of energy a mobile home gets from an array depends on several factors including location and usage habits. In warmer climates where there is a lot of sunlight during the day, you will need fewer panels than in colder climates with less sunshine.
3. What is the cost of electricity where you live?
If your electrical costs are high, then using solar power may reduce your overall energy bill and improve your monthly cash flow immediately.
Solar Solution: The average mobile home requires a solar array of about 5 kilowatts for all the appliances and electronics that live inside.
4. How much shade does my park receive?
Shaded areas limit the number of panels that can successfully collect sunlight which reduces their efficiency.
This becomes an issue especially for those living in mobile home parks, as there are nearly always trees around somewhere onsite.
Why Solar Panels are Important for Mobile Home?
Solar panels are the key to harnessing natural energy from the sun, which is arguably one of our most abundant and useful resources.
They can reduce or even eliminate your monthly energy bills while also protecting the environment for future generations.
If your electrical costs are high, then using solar power may reduce your overall energy bill and improve your monthly cash flow immediately.
Manufacturers create solar panels by coating metal wafers with a thin layer of crystalline silicon, which allows them to collect and convert sunlight into electricity through a process called a photovoltaic conversion.
Solar panels that come in contact with air on rooftops or the ground must be tilted at an angle that matches the latitude of their installation for them to receive optimal exposure to sunlight throughout the day.
Additionally, mobile home park managers typically have to deal with grass cutting, removing leaves in the fall, and snow removal.
The cost of maintaining a solar array is significantly lower than the cost of roof replacement. A well-maintained system can last upwards of 30 years!
Many people are under the impression that mobile home parks are not suitable for solar installations because they don’t have roofs designed to support heavy loads.
While this may have been true in the past, modern systems rarely require roofs or foundations to be altered or modified.
Related Article: How To Make A Mobile Home More Energy Efficient?
Wrap Up
With so many different solar panels to choose from, it’s hard to know which ones are the best for your mobile home.
There may be a few factors that you haven’t considered yet that will help you decide what kind of panel is best for you and your family.
And if you’re looking for a simple answer to this question, we suggest about 4 panels.