How Many Solar Panels Do I Need?

Calculating how many Solar Panels I Need

Using the sun’s natural heat to generate energy in your home will help to create a ‘greener’ environment. This, in turn, will reduce household bills and keep your carbon footprint to a minimum, thereby protecting the environment. Solar panels are an economical alternative to relying solely on the National Grid. But how many solar panels do you actually need? There are many factors to consider, so let’s take a closer look.

How do I Calculate how many Solar Panels I Need?

When calculating the number of panels you need, there are three main things to think about. This includes:

• Your average daily consumption – find out the total Kilowatt hours (kWh) you currently use or intend to use in your home. For example, a one-bedroom property will use a lot less than a five-bedroom property with six people living there.
• The sun hours in your area – the sunnier your area, the fewer panels you’ll need. Also, if your roof is south-facing and gets a lot of direct sunlight, then each panel will be able to produce energy from the sun efficiently.
• Your roof size – there’s no point opting for a 16-panel system if your roof is tiny. So roof size needs to be taken into consideration. Your roof must also be in good condition without significant damage that could make solar panel installation dangerous. The amount of weight your roof can hold should also be assessed by solar PV experts.

How Many Solar Panels are Needed to Power a Typical House?

The number of solar panels needed to power a typical house depends on how many people live at the property. And, of course, the more people who live at a property, the bigger the house tends to be. The average UK home consumes between 3kWh and 6kWh of energy daily, so here’s a rough estimation of the panels you can expect to install.

3kW system using 250W  – two people living at the property – 12 solar panels.

4kW system – one of the most common sizes for domestic solar systems, as it suits homes with 3 to 4 people – 16 solar panels.

5kW system – ideal for a four-person household, including two adults, and two children – 20 panels.

6kW system – best for households with over five people – 24 panels

This solar panel calculator is a guide. The factors mentioned above will have an impact on how many panels are installed.

Determining Individual Solar Panel Size

As well as the number of panels needed, you also need to think about panel size and the amount of solar energy that can be generated. A 250-watt panel, for example, will generate up to 250 watts per sun hour, while a 300-watt solar panel can generate up to 300 watts per sun hour. So, it’s important to know how much energy you consume before ordering.

For Kent solar PV installation, contact South East Solar & Electrical today.