If you’re thinking about getting solar panels for your home, you may be asking yourself, “How many solar panels do I need?” This is a great question! The answer depends on a few important things like how much electricity you use, how big your roof is, and where you live. In this blog post, we’ll help you understand the basics so you can make the best choice for your home.
How Much Electricity Do You Use?
The first thing to think about is how much electricity your home uses every month. You can look at your electric bill to find this number. Most homes in the U.S. use around 900 to 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity each month.
If your home uses more power, you may need more solar panels. If you use less, you may need fewer panels.
How Much Power Does One Solar Panel Make?
Most solar panels make about 350 to 400 watts of power. This means one panel can make about 30 to 40 kWh per month, depending on the sunlight it gets.
So, if your home uses 900 kWh per month, and each panel gives you about 35 kWh, you would need around 25 to 30 panels.
Here’s a quick example:
| Monthly Energy Use | Power Per Panel | Number of Panels Needed |
| 900 kWh | 35 kWh | 26 panels |
| 1,200 kWh | 35 kWh | 34 panels |
Remember, this is just an estimate. Your home might need more or fewer panels based on other things too.
If you need the expertise of trusted solar panel installers in New York, please contact New York State Solar Farm.
Roof Size
Solar panels need space to be installed. A typical solar panel is about 5.5 feet tall and 3.5 feet wide. That means each panel takes up about 20 square feet of space.
So if you need 25 panels, you’ll need about 500 square feet of roof space. If you have a smaller roof, your installer may suggest higher-efficiency panels. These special panels make more power in a smaller space.
Sunlight and Location
Not every place gets the same amount of sun. If you live in a sunny place, your panels will make more energy. If you live in a cloudy area, your panels may make a little less.
Solar installers know how to measure how much sunlight your roof gets each year. They can help you pick the right number of panels based on your location.
If you need the expertise of trusted solar panel installers in New York, please contact New York State Solar Farm.
Your Energy Goals
Do you want solar panels to cover 100% of your electricity needs? Or just part of it to help lower your bill?
Some families choose to cover all of their energy needs. Others just want to reduce their monthly bills. Your installer can help you decide what works best for your budget and goals.
Other Things to Think About
- Battery storage: Do you want to store extra power for later? You may need more panels.
- Electric cars or home upgrades: If you plan to buy an electric vehicle or add new appliances, your energy use may go up. It’s good to plan ahead!
- Roof direction: South-facing roofs usually get the most sun. East- or west-facing roofs may still work, but they might need more panels to make the same power.
Talk to a Solar Installer Today
Every home is different. The best way to know exactly how many solar panels you need is to talk to a local solar installer. They will look at your roof, your energy use, and your budget. Then they’ll design a system just for you.
Solar power is a smart way to save money and help the environment. But to get the best results, it’s important to plan your system the right way.
Are you ready to learn more?
Contact NYSSF today for a free solar consultation.
We’ll help you find out how many panels you need and answer all your questions. Let’s build a brighter, cleaner future—together!