Solar Panel Calculator

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Calculate the number of solar panels needed to offset your electricity usage. Enter your monthly electric bill or kWh usage along with your average sun hours to determine the system size and number of panels for your home.

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Enter Your Measurements

Results

Solar Panels Needed

19

panels

System Size

7.5

kW

Annual Production

11,096

kWh

Roof Area Needed

342

sq ft

Daily Target

30.0

kWh

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Formula

System Size kW = (Monthly kWh ÷ 30 × Offset%) ÷ (Sun Hours × 0.8 efficiency) | Panels = System Watts ÷ Panel Watts

How to Use This Calculator

How to Use

  1. 1

    Find your monthly electricity usage in kWh from your utility bill.

  2. 2

    Enter the average peak sun hours for your location (check NREL's PVWatts for your area).

  3. 3

    Enter the wattage of the solar panels you plan to use (350-450W is typical for modern panels).

  4. 4

    Set the desired offset percentage (100% to eliminate your electric bill).

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How many solar panels for a 2000 sq ft house?

A typical 2000 sq ft home uses 900-1200 kWh per month and needs a 6 to 10 kW system, or approximately 15 to 25 panels at 400 watts each, depending on location and sun exposure.

How much roof space do I need for solar panels?

Each 400-watt panel is approximately 18 square feet. A 20-panel system needs about 360 square feet of unshaded, south-facing roof space.

How much do solar panels save per month?

Solar panels can reduce your electric bill by 70-100%. At $0.13 per kWh, a system producing 900 kWh per month saves approximately $117 per month or $1,400 per year.
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About This Calculator

This calculator uses the formula: System Size kW = (Monthly kWh ÷ 30 × Offset%) ÷ (Sun Hours × 0.8 efficiency) | Panels = System Watts ÷ Panel Watts. All calculations follow industry-standard methods. Results are estimates — always verify with a licensed professional for structural or code-compliant work.

Built and maintained by the CalcSmart team. Last updated March 2026.

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