Solar energy can be used to power anything in your home that runs on electricity, from your air conditioner to your smartphone. But is it possible to run your whole house on solar power alone?
This is one of the most common questions we hear from California homeowners who are thinking about going solar. The answer is yes; a house can run only on solar power, but there are a few factors to consider.
Let’s break down what it takes to achieve a fully solar-powered home.
How to Power Your Home with Only Solar Energy
You can run your whole house on solar energy whether you install an off-grid solar system or stay connected to the electric grid with a grid-tied system. Here’s how to make it happen:
1. Generate Enough Solar Energy to Cover Your Needs
To run your home on solar alone, your system must produce enough electricity to match (or exceed) your total energy consumption. Several factors impact this:
- Sunlight Availability – Homes in sunnier areas can generate more electricity with fewer solar panels.
- Roof or Ground Space – A larger system requires adequate installation space.
- Shading & Obstructions – Trees, buildings, and other obstacles can block sunlight, reducing the amount of power you can generate.
The best way to overcome these challenges is to have a custom home solar system designed by a local expert who understands the North Coast’s unique climate. At Six Rivers Solar, we design custom solar energy systems tailored to your home. We analyze your past energy bills, determine how many panels you need to run your house entirely on solar power, and strategically position them for maximum efficiency throughout the year.
2. Install Solar Battery Storage for Nights & Cloudy Days
Solar panels need sunlight to produce electricity, which means they don’t work at night and on extremely cloudy days. To power your home with solar energy when there isn’t enough sunlight available, you need solar battery storage. Solar batteries store the excess electricity your solar panels produce during the day so you can use stored solar energy at night.
A lot of residential solar systems include one or two batteries for emergency backup, but if you want to run your whole house on solar power alone, you will need more storage than that. If you maintain a grid connection, you’ll be able to use grid power as a backup option should you run out of stored energy. If you go off-grid with solar, you’ll need to make sure you have plenty of battery storage.
Six Rivers Solar specializes in solar battery design. We can make sure your battery system is sized correctly so your whole house can run on solar even when there isn’t any sunlight available. But keep in mind that you don’t have to run your house entirely on solar power to experience the full benefits of solar. A solar power system that’s sized correctly for your energy consumption and includes one or two batteries will get you very close to a 100% solar-powered home, significantly reducing your electricity bills and your carbon footprint.
Good news! Solar batteries qualify for the 30% federal solar tax credit, making it more affordable to invest in energy storage.
3. Switch to All-Electric Appliances
Solar can only power electric appliances. If you currently use gas or oil for heating, cooking, or hot water, you’ll need to switch to electric alternatives like:
- Heat Pumps – Provide energy efficient, all-electric heating and air conditioning.
- Heat Pump Water Heaters – Provide energy efficient, all-electric hot water heating.
- Induction Cooktops – Allow for faster, safer electric cooking.
By electrifying your home, you’ll maximize your solar savings and eliminate your dependence on fossil fuels.
Can You Really Go 100% Solar? Yes—With the Right System!
A fully solar-powered home is possible, but it requires the right balance of solar panels, battery storage, and efficient electric appliances. Whether you want to eliminate your energy bills or go completely off-grid, a custom-designed solar system will help you meet your goals.
Ready to get started? Reach out to Six Rivers Solar. We’re a local solar panel installation company with decades of experience serving homeowners in Hum Co, Tri County, and Del Norte County. Our team can talk to you about your solar goals, lay out your options, and help you make the best decision for your home and budget.
