The better question is: How much electricity does your house consume every day? The number of solar panels is simply the answer to that calculation. Two houses built next to each other may require completely different systems.
A family that uses lighting, television and a refrigerator has different energy needs from a family running air conditioning, electric cookers and water heating systems.
Step One: Calculate Daily Consumption
Look at your electricity bill. Daily household consumption often falls into these categories:
Light Usage
5kWh per day
Examples:
- Lights
- TV
- Wi-Fi
- Phone charging
Solar requirement: 4 to 6 panels
Medium Usage
10kWh per day
Examples:
- Refrigerator
- Washing machine
- Water pump
Solar requirement: 8 to 12 panels
Heavy Usage
20kWh per day
Examples:
- Air conditioning
- Large appliances
- Home office equipment
Solar requirement: 15 to 24 panels
Panel Efficiency Matters
Not all panels produce equal amounts of energy. Modern residential systems commonly use 450W to 550W panels. Fewer high-efficiency panels may outperform larger older installations.
Roof Space Requirements
A typical solar panel occupies about two square metres. Ten panels require approximately 20 square metres of usable roof space. Orientation, shading and roof angle also matter.
The Biggest Mistake Homeowners Make
People buy systems based on budget. Professionals build systems based on demand.
There is a difference. A cheaper undersized system often becomes expensive because upgrades are needed later. Your energy profile should determine the system. Not the other way around.
