The number of homes one acre of solar panels can supply will depend on many factors. As such, to ensure you get accurate information, it is necessary to comprehend and analyze those factors fully.

Howbeit, on average, 1 acre of solar panels can generate between 400 – 500 MWh of electricity annually.

When you take into account the fact that an average U.S. household tends to use around 10 – 11 MWh per year, then an acre of solar panels will have the capacity to supply power to about 35 – 50 homes.

However, it is still necessary to point out that the exact number of homes will vary, especially by region since sunnier places will support more homes owing to higher sunlight availability, while cloudier areas will support fewer homes.

Factors That Determine How Many Homes 1 Acre of Solar Panels Supply

Solar energy is gradually gaining popularity among homeowners and communities. However, just as was noted above, numerous factors will determine the exact number of homes an acre of solar panels can supply. Those factors include:

1. Solar Panel Efficiency

This refers to the amount or percentage of sunlight a panel can convert into usable electricity. According to recent reports, a good number of residential solar panels tend to possess an efficiency rate of between 15% and 22%.

Solar panels with higher efficiency will likely produce more power even from the same amount of sunlight, ensuring that an acre of high-efficiency panels will generate more energy when compared to lower-efficiency panels. Also, note that the increase in output will determine the number of homes that can be powered.

2. Average Sunlight Exposure (Irradiance)

Note that sunlight exposure, or irradiance, varies from one location to another. For instance, regions such as the southwestern United States get more sunlight on average especially more than the Pacific Northwest.

Keep in mind that additional sunlight allows solar panels to generate more electricity, and this means that an acre of panels in a high-irradiance location will surely power more homes.

For instance, an acre of solar panels in Arizona will be able to power up to 50 homes, whereas a similar setup in a less sunny region might just support 35-40 homes.

3. Panel Orientation and Angle

It is also important to point out that solar panels tend to be much more productive when they are positioned to get maximum sunlight all through the day.

If the solar farm is in the Northern Hemisphere, then it is recommended the panels be installed to face southward at an angle that aligns with the site’s latitude.

If the panels are fixed at an inefficient angle, they will receive less sunlight, and will negatively impact the acre’s total energy output and, as such, the number of homes it can supply.

Owing to that, making adjustments to the angle seasonally or making good use of tracking systems to track the sun’s movement is very necessary. However, note that tracking systems will further add to your installation costs and maintenance needs.

4. Seasonal Variations and Weather Conditions

Another valid factor to take into account is that seasonal changes as well as weather patterns, like cloud cover, rainfall, and snowfall, will also affect solar energy production.

For instance, in summer, longer days, as well as higher sun angles, tend to heighten output, whereas during winter, shorter days and lower sun angles limit it.

In addition, heavy cloud cover or shading from surrounding objects such as trees and buildings will also limit the panels’ energy production.

On average, an acre of solar panels will generate more energy in summer months than in winter, and this could cause very obvious fluctuations in the number of homes it can supply year-round.

You can also leverage storage systems (batteries) to deal with seasonal variations by storing excess summer power for winter use.

5. Household Energy Consumption

Note that the energy consumption patterns of the homes being served will also determine the number of homes the solar farm will supply.

Just as was stated earlier, the average household in the United States tends to consume around 10-11 MWh (megawatt-hours) of electricity annually. However, note that this will also vary by region, home size, and efficiency.

Keep in mind that homes in colder climates will utilize more electricity for heating, whereas homes with efficient insulation, LED lighting, as well as Energy Star-rated appliances will likely consume less.

Nevertheless, the less energy each home utilizes, the more homes can be powered by 1 acre of solar panels.