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For many people who want to save money on their electric bill or be able to watch TV, a solar panel is a great choice. When it comes to determining how many solar panels you will need it all comes down to the style and size of the TV
One solar panel that can generate anywhere from 20–30 watts of electricity can supply enough power to run a TV. The power needed to run the TV will increase substantially depending on the style of TV and size:
- LED
- LCD
- Plasma.
A plasma TV will need the most power to run, whereas an LED takes the least amount of power.
Solar panels can be the perfect addition to any house, RV, or even those that want to live an off-the-grid life. In this article, you will not only learn how to pick the right type of solar panel but also the type needed for different items around your home.
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Solar Panels Required to Run A TV
The average TV that is under forty inches will only need one solar panel that can power around fifty watts. The larger the TV, the more power will be required to run the TV.
In the chart below, you will be able to determine which size solar panel you will need to run different sizes of TVs:
| TV Size | LED TV | LCD TV | Plasma TV |
| 18” | 18 – 22 W | 25 – 32 W | 50 – 75 W |
| 32” | 35 – 40 W | 50 – 60 W | 100 – 130 W |
| 50” | 50 – 60 W | 75 – 90 W | 150 – 200 W |
| 60” | 60 – 75 W | 90 -110 W | 200 – 250 W |
With this chart, you will be able to determine the size and number of solar panels needed to power your TV. This will also be extremely helpful when trying to decide what type of TV you want to purchase. If you already have a solar panel attached to your home or RV, the chart will narrow down the size and type of TV you will need to purchase.
How Many Solar Panels Are Needed to Power a Small Appliance?
The number of solar panels you will need to power items around your home will depend on what you are wanting to power. For example, to run a refrigerator, you will need three to four solar panels. Every individual appliance will need a certain amount of power to run the item.
You will need to take into consideration the
- Age (Older appliances may not run as efficiently as newer ones)
- Manufacturer
- Model (Some are energy efficient)
- Size of the appliance (RV size compared to residential)
- Type of appliance
All these factors can make the power needed can be drastically different from one appliance to the other. If you need to power many things in your home, you will need quite a few solar panels to be able to power everything.
How Many Solar Panels Will It Take to Power a House?
To power a house with only solar power, you will need around thirty solar panels. This is based on the average home usage of 10,400 kWh used in a home every year. You will also need to have a large battery supply capacity to store the energy during the day and use it at night.
Not only can solar panels save you quite a bit of money, but having solar panels installed will increase the value of your home. It is important to note that some cities will not allow homes to be unhooked from the electrical grid. While you will not be paying for power, you may need to pay a certain amount each month simply because you are connected to their service.
Some campsites also do not have a lower cost for those using solar power compared to ones hooked up to all their amenities. You will be charged the same rate for water, sewage, and electricity in most campsites.
Are Solar Panels Expensive to Buy?
The cost of solar panels can range from being very inexpensive to several thousand dollars. The cost is determined by the amount of power you will need to generate. You will also need to consider if you will be using any electricity at all.
For those who do not want or are unable to use electricity, you will need to invest in solar panels. Overall, solar panels can save a lot of money as well as allow you to live more independently.
Campers and those who live in RVs can live extremely comfortably with the use of solar panels. This will allow them to stay anywhere around the world if they get a little sun. When buying solar panels, you will need to keep in mind their battery storage capacity.
A solar panel is only as good as its storage level. If there is no place to store battery life, you will only be able to use your solar panels in the daytime. As soon as the sun goes down, so does your power.
Is It Hard to Take Care of a Solar Panel?
Solar panels are quite easy to take care of, as all you need to do is have them set up and occasionally wipe them off. If the solar panel is set up correctly, the snow and debris should slide off and not interfere with its ability to see the sun.
When installing a solar panel, it is best to get an expert’s opinion on where it should aim on your roof. You want it to get as much sun as possible while avoiding trees and other debris that could cover the panel. If a solar panel gets dirty, it will need to be carefully wiped off, typically meaning climbing on one’s roof.
Conclusion: Solar Panels Running Household Appliances
Solar panels are extremely useful for those that want to save money on the power they use. They are also a great way to be more eco-friendly and lower your carbon footprint. No matter what reason someone may have for wanting to use solar panels, they make a great choice for any living conditions.
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