How Many Solar Panels Will My Home Need?

Residential solar panels are a sizable investment for most homeowners. Although the return-on-investment makes it a worthwhile financial endeavor, the thought of “going solar” likely produces a few questions. One of your main questions would probably be, “how many solar panels do I need to power my property?”

The typical residential solar system generally consists of 20 to 25 panels, but the precise number you need depends on a few factors, such as where you live, the amount of energy you burn through on average, and how much power the panels generate. Each of these factors will help you determine how many panels will need to be installed for you to experience the true value of solar. 

While CEUSA’s experts take it upon themselves to figure out the most optimal size of your solar array, we want you to be armed with as much information as possible. That’s why we value educating our customers on solar installation before the process begins. 

The Size Of Your Home

To estimate how many solar panels you need, it’s important to consider the size of your home. Consult the table below for a general estimate of solar panels that could potentially save you money.

*Numbers shown in the table above are estimates based on data from the Residential Energy Consumption Survey conducted by the U.S. 

How Much Sunshine Your Home Receives

Your home’s actual location in relation to sunshine is a key factor. Naturally, solar panel systems are best suited for sunny areas. With more sunshine, each of your individual solar panels will generate more power. Factors like tree cover roof direction determine how much sun might reach your solar panels throughout the day.

While the location of your home isn't something that you can change, it's still crucial to recognize that your region plays a role in how efficiently your system generates. Your panels will operate at maximum capacity when they can absorb the most possible sunlight. Here in the northeast, that means looking at east-, south-, and west-facing roof space. 

Average Energy Usage

Understanding how much electricity you use in an average year is key to estimating the number of solar panels you need. Energy usage can vary quite a bit, depending on the number of people in your household, how often you run large appliances, and even the time of year. 

Determining how much energy you use is not actually all that complicated. You could estimate your annual energy usage simply by reviewing your energy bills. Your electric bill shows the last 12 months of your energy usage history. Add those 12 figures together, divide by 12 and you get your average monthly usage. There’s no need to comb through months upon months of energy bills—it’s all right there on your most recent electric bill.

Your Home Appliances

Knowing the wattage you use during the year is only half the battle. It also helps to understand how and where those watts are being used. Examine the large appliances in your home and think about which ones run on a daily basis. Here are some appliances that tend to eat up the most electricity:

• Heating System
• Cooling System
• Water Heater
• Dehumidifier
• Refrigerator

Modern life has more opportunities for energy consumption than any other time in history. The good news is, solar energy mitigates the cost associated with daily life—and it’s much more affordable than you think. 

Bringing It All Together

The upfront cost of a residential solar panel installation might seem steep, but the return on investment makes it all worthwhile. What’s more, there are many tax incentives that make solar panels even more beneficial and attractive. 

Regardless of the cost, the number of solar panels you need to reap the most benefits is unique to you and your home. From property size to the orientation of your roof, CEUSA can calculate exactly how many panels would be ideal for your home.