How Many Solar Panels Do I Need?
You will need about 30 solar panels on average, with totals ranging from 25 to 35 solar panels to cover 100% of your electricity cost according to multiple sources. Want to know how many solar panels you need and how much that is going to cost? Learn how to determine how many solar panels you need and how much that is going to cost you by using our solar panel calculator below.
Use our solar panel cost calculator to get a more specific solar cost estimate based on your annual kilowatt hours of electricity used in your home. Get a free solar quote by filling out the short quote form for a free estimate.
*This data is estimated using National Renewable Energy Laboratories. NREL is a National Laboratory of U.S. Department of Energy. System Sizing based on a 7kw System in the center of the state facing due south, 18 Degree pitch with 20% loss. System sizing will slightly vary based on exact location, shading and roof pitch.
GoGreenSolar says, “Let’s say that this number is 1100 kWh per month. Now divide your average monthly usage by 30 to get your average daily kWh usage. In this case, it would be about 37kWh per day. Assuming that you use about 37 kWh per day, you would need about 37 solar panels to meet 100% of your average energy needs.”
According to EnergySage, “the typical homeowner will need 28 – 34 solar panels to cover 100% of energy usage (dependent on location and roof size)“.
How To Find Out How Many Solar Panels You Need
The first step in determining how many solar panels you need is by calculating your total annual kilowatt hours.
Step 1. Calculate your total annual kilowatt hours
Take your last 12 months’ worth of electric bills and combine the kilowatt hours.
You can find the kilowatt hours your home uses by looking at your APS bill or viewing your account online. Using your online account will be the easiest.
How to find the kilowatt hours your home uses on your APS bill
How to find the kilowatt hours your home uses with your online APS account
Haven’t been in your home for 12 months or don’t kilowatt hours your home uses? Call us for a free estimate. One of our helpful solar reps can help you figure out the perfect system for your home.
Step 2. Determine the direction your solar panels will be facing
Which way does the optimal area of your roof face?
- South
- West
- East
- North (Not Recommended)
The efficiency factor plays a part in how much energy your solar panels will produce. If the optimal area of your roof is facing south, your solar panels will produce 1.75 times what the plated wattage of the system is in Arizona. On the other hand, if your home is facing east or west, your solar panels will produce 1.6 times what the plated wattage of the system is in Arizona.
Don’t know which direction the optimal area of your roof is facing? Don’t worry! We can help you determine which direction your home is facing during your free in-home estimate.
Step 3. Find Out How Many Solar Panels You Need
The easiest way to find out how many solar panels you need is by doing a simple math equation.
If the optimal area of your roof faces south:
If you have a south facing home you can expect your solar panels to produce about 525 kilowatt hours each year. For example, the average home in Scottsdale, Arizona uses 17,500 kilowatt hours per year. In this scenario, you would only need 34 solar panels to cover your 17,500 kilowatts of electricity usage.
How much does a 34 panel solar system cost?
Take your total kilowatt hours and divide that number by 1750.
For example, if we use the 17500 kilowatt hours example, and divide that by 1750, that would equal a 10 kilowatt system; and at a cost of $3,200 per kilowatt, that total would equal $32,000.
If the optimal area of your roof is facing east or west:
If you have an east or west facing home you can expect your solar panels to produce about 480 kilowatt hours each year. In this scenario, you would actually need 37 solar panels to cover your 17,500 kilowatts of electricity usage.
How much does a 37 panel solar system cost?
Take your total kilowatt hours and divide that number by 1600.
For example, if we use the 17500 kilowatt hours example again, and divide that by 1600, that would equal a 10.9 kilowatt system; and at a cost of $3,200 per kilowatt, that total would equal $35,000 for a 37 panel solar system.
A 10 kilowatt system produces only between 16,800 (facing east or west) and 17,500 (facing south) depending on the direction the optimal part of your roof faces.
How Many Solar Panels Do I Need For 1000 kWh Per Month?
You will need anywhere from 23 to 25 solar panels to cover 1000 kWh per month. South facing panels will produce about 43.75 kilowatt hours per month, while east or west facing solar panels will only produce about 40 kilowatt hours per month.
Ecotality says, “If you use 250W panels, you need 27 of them. On the other hand, if they are 330W panels, only 21 are needed.”
How Many Solar Panels Do I Need For 1000 kWh Per Month?
How Many Solar Panels Do I Need For 2000 kWh Per Month?
You will need anywhere from 46 to 50 solar panels to cover 2000 kWh per month. South facing panels will produce about 43.75 kilowatt hours per month, while east or west facing solar panels will only produce about 40 kilowatt hours per month.
How Many Solar Panels Do I Need For a 2000 sq ft Home?
The average 2000 sq ft home uses about 1200 kWh of electricity per month.
Solar Reviews states, “Number of 30 solar panels required to power the average 2000 square foot house in each state”. However, SolarExpert says, “So, a 2,000 square foot home would be allowed a solar array of 4,000 watts. Depending on the type of panel that you choose, a system of this size would be anywhere from 12-18 solar panels.”
How Many Solar Panels Do I Need For a 1000 sq ft Home?
The average 1000 sq ft home uses about 600 kWh of electricity per month.
You would need 15 solar panels required to power the average 1000 square foot home in each state.
How Many Solar Panels Do I Need For A 5kW System?
You would need 17-19 solar panels to power a 5kWh system. Numbers are based on 300 watt solar panels. According to SolarQuotes, “To make up a 5kW solar system, you need 17 solar panels, assuming you use 300W panels – that will actually give you 5.1kW.”
How Many Solar Panels Do I Need For A 10kW System?
You would need 34-37 solar panels to power a 5kWh system. Numbers are based on 300 watt solar panels. InfiniteEnergy says, “A 10kW solar system consists of 31 to 40 solar panels. As they’re 1.6m x 1m in size, you’ll need quite a lot of roof space to support it – 50 to 65 square metres to be exact.”
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost?
Solar panels cost about:
- $3.20 per watt
- $3,200 per kilowatt
This includes the cost of all the equipment, permitting, installation, warranties, and financing.
What Would My Monthly Solar Financing Payment Be?
*Loan calculations are based on 650 credit score and good debt to income ratio. Cost estimates are based on 35 x 300 watt solar panels, 10.5 kilowatt solar system loan analysis.
A 10 kilowatt solar system will deliver anywhere from 16,800 (east or west facing) to 18,375 (south facing) depending on the direction that the optimal area of your roof is facing.
| Term & Interest | Monthly Payment | 25 Yr Savings | ||
| 25 Years 4.49% | $135 | $18,148 | ||
| 20 Years 3.99% | $147 | $23,134 | ||
| 15 Years 2.99% | $167 | $28,408 | ||
| 12 Years 2.99% | $200 | $29,597 | ||
| 10 Years 2.49% | $227 | $31,115 | ||
| 5 Years 1.99% | $425 | $32,899 |
According to AZCentral.com, the government is still giving away 30% tax credit to homeowners who go solar. After this year the credit will decrease to 26%, so it’s best to act now to still get your 30%. Homeowners can save over $25,000 in electricity savings over 25 years.
Get A Free Solar Panel Installation Quote In Arizona
No matter if you live in Tempe, Scottsdale, Surprise, Litchfield Park, Tuscon, Ajo, Phoenix, Mesa or anywhere else in Arizona, Alternative Energy, LLC can help with residential and commercial solar panel installation. Save even more when you combine solar with our other revolutionary energy saving products!