Choosing the right number of solar panels for your home isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. There are various factors to consider. Most people opt for solar to cut down on electricity usage and lower bills, so figuring out the right number of panels for your home is helpful.

Solar system sizes are measured in kilowatts. Depending on your location and your roof’s orientation, each kilowatt of your solar panel system can generate between 3 and 5 kilowatt-hours of clean, renewable energy per day. Typically, it takes around 3 to 4 solar panels to make up 1 kilowatt.

So, the big question is: How many solar panels do you need?

Look at past electricity bills

To figure out the right number of solar panels for your home, look at your past electricity bills. If you have a smart meter, you can check your daily usage easily. For those without a smart meter, simply review your previous bills to calculate your daily consumption. Keep in mind that electricity usage can vary significantly based on factors like the number of people in your household, your location, whether you work from home, and if you use gas appliances. Avoid assuming a standard electricity consumption, as it can differ widely among households.

Consider your area

Anyone can benefit from solar, no matter where they live. However, those living in sunnier areas won’t need as many solar panels as those living in cooler cloudier climates.

Know your usage

Consider your daily routine. Do you work from home, and does your electricity usage peak during the day or in the early mornings and evenings? Are weekends more power-intensive for you compared to weekdays? How about the differences between summer and winter? Do you rely on air conditioning in the summer but not on a heater in the winter, or do both seasons demand significant power consumption? Perhaps you don’t use either. Gathering this information helps in understanding your daily, peak, and seasonal power consumption patterns. 

The objective is to install enough solar panels to offset a significant portion of your daily household energy consumption. To achieve this, calculate your daily electricity requirements, considering your location, peak usage times, and typical appliance usage patterns. The size of the solar energy system necessary will also be influenced by your desired savings on future electricity bills. Are you aiming to cover only daytime energy needs, or do you wish to include a battery to achieve nearly complete self-sufficiency?

Unsure how many panels you need? We’re happy to help!

We’ll help you get the most out of your solar panels so that they’re working for your home, location, and usage needs.

Your Solar & Electrical Experts

Established in 2020, Tropical Solar and Electrical Services is a locally owned and operated company servicing homes and businesses throughout Mackay and surrounding areas including Moranbah, Sarina, Proserpine, and Rockhampton. Whether it’s power on the roof or within the property, we’ll ensure it’s running as it should. Get in touch with our electrical experts today for a free quote. We’re available 24/7 for your convenience.