In recent years, more homeowners have jumped on board the solar train to decrease their carbon footprints and drive down utility costs.
Once considered a renewable energy project solely for the elite, statewide incentives have helped make residential solar panels more affordable for middle-class and low-income households.
Eco-conscious homeowners who hope to reap the rewards of solar’s benefits may consider installing panels on their roofs. However, there’s a lot they need to consider beforehand, such as the size, model and number of panels required to meet their energy needs.
For instance, you might wonder how many solar panels are necessary to power your refrigerator. It’s an excellent question to ask—you can consider each home appliance and your energy-consuming behaviors to determine your home’s solar panel needs.
Powering a Refrigerator With Solar Panels
The number of solar panels required to power a refrigerator depends on how much energy it consumes. Most combination refrigerator-freezers operate on 300 to 800 watts (W) of electricity. Of course, the exact wattage depends on the model and age of the product. One solar panel produces between 275 W and 400 W—therefore, if you’re installing 350 W panels, you’ll likely need between one and three to keep the refrigerator running.
Although refrigerators are one of the largest appliances in your house and require a consistent power source, they typically run on an on-and-off cycle, meaning their operational wattage is often lower than specified on the label. Freezers will consume more energy than refrigeration components, of course, since they must always stay at a cooler temperature.
You should read the labels of other appliances to find out their wattage. An experienced solar panel installer can convert your appliances’ daily energy use and help you develop a system that best manages peak energy consumption times.
The Rise of Solar in the U.S.
The adoption of solar energy is rising in the United States as it becomes more accessible for consumers and businesses. Throughout the last decade, the price of residential solar panels decreased by 60%, with an average 6-kilowatt-hour (KWh) system costing about $50,000 in 2011 and between $16,000 to $21,000 in 2022.
Federal solar tax credits and state-issued solar rebates have helped homeowners cover the initial purchase and installation fees. Coupled with blatantly noticeable utility savings, solar panels are now as commonly purchased as upgraded windows or insulation.
The recent passing of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) aims to enhance solar energy projects, further reducing U.S. emissions and boosting the nation’s energy security. With the legislation’s $369 billion investment in climate change initiatives, the U.S. hopes to reduce carbon emissions by 40% by 2030. Homeowners in particular are at an advantage regarding the new bill’s promise for solar energy financial assistance.
The IRA includes a 30% solar tax credit through 2032 for those interested in installing solar panels on their homes, regardless of how expensive the system is. With the tax credits, homeowners can save money on the initial expense of the panels, labor, permits, inspector fees, additional operational equipment and storage batteries, among other items.
Major U.S. energy providers, such as Duke Energy, have praised the IRA for enabling investments in renewable energy projects. They believe they’ll benefit from the legislation’s production tax credits for solar power and energy storage. Under the new provisions and tax credits, Duke estimates it could generate 13 to 17 gigawatts of solar power in the coming decade. As a result, Duke’s customers will gain access to more affordable clean energy.
Ongoing interest in solar technology continues to push an influx of new products to market, further contributing to this boom. For example, solar water heaters deliver constant hot water without paying for emissions-fueled utilities to run your dishwasher. Other solar-powered items such as wireless keyboards, motion sensor lights, roofing shingles and irrigation systems have made it easier for homeowners to transition toward sustainable lifestyles.
Benefits of Living in a Solar-Powered Home
There’s no denying solar-powered homes have several advantages beyond running your refrigerator on clean electricity. Ask any homeowner with a solar panel system and they’ll surely tell you how solar panels have improved their comfort and living expenses. If you need more convincing that solar panels are worth the investment, here are three benefits of living in a solar-powered house.
1. Saves Money on Utility Bills
Many U.S. residents have struggled to keep the lights on amid rising electricity costs. According to recent reporting by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, electricity prices will reach $0.1524 per KWh in 2023 — a 16% increase over four years.
The primary cause is attributed to rising inflation and soaring prices for natural gas. The National Energy Assistance Directors Association estimates one out of six households needs to catch up on utility bills, owing an average amount of $788 and a total of $16.1 billion.
Before the IRA became law, 8% of U.S. homeowners already owned solar panels, while 39% considered installing a system. About 92% said they’d hoped solar would allow them to cut back on energy spending. Homeowners who install solar panels often see a significant reduction in their electricity bills or eliminate the costs entirely.
2. Reduces Indoor Pollution
You might be surprised to learn indoor pollution is substantially higher than outdoor pollution. Because people spend nearly 90% of the day inside their homes or workplaces, poor indoor air quality can potentially cause profound health implications.
Cooking, cleaning and using appliances produce particulate matter—harmful air pollutants you can inhale or ingest. For instance, houses with older air conditioners may still use ozone-depleting Freon (R22), which enters the stratosphere, reduces ozone and increases susceptibility to UV-induced skin cancer. The U.S. began phasing out R22 in 2020.
When you install clean solar energy, you can lower the amount of particulate matter generated by household energy-consuming mechanisms, making your home safer and healthier. For example, one study of a kindergarten classroom found solar energy decreased indoor carbon levels by 800 parts per million (ppm), making the air much safer and more comfortable for children.
3. Increases Your Home’s Market Value
If you’re considering moving someday, solar panel systems can increase your home’s market value. A 2019 Zillow study found solar-powered houses sold for 4.1% more than those without systems. For an average single-family home, that equates to $9,274 above the asking price.
The reason why solar-powered houses sell for more money is the certainty of future energy savings. Potential buyers like the idea of cutting energy and utility costs in their next home. As a result, they’re often willing to spend more on buying a house now in order to gain long-term savings. In general, the Zillow report said that 80% of buyers preferred energy-efficient features when looking for a home.
Of course, how much your house’s value increases from solar panels depends on where you live. A solar-powered home in New Jersey could increase in value by 9.9% or $32,281. Meanwhile, South Carolina sellers might see a 3.5% increase or a $5,866 higher value for a house.
Higher valuations might fluctuate with the states, as well. Regardless, buyers who purchase a home with solar panels will see an immediate return on investment in their energy bills.
Generating Clean Energy for Everyday Living
The refrigerator is one of the most commonly used household appliances. However, homeowners can optimize their house’s energy efficiency with solar panels and electrify all their appliances with a clean energy source.
Feature image: Cong Wang; Image 1: Peter Mason
