One of the first questions homeowners ask us at VMJ Solar is: “How many solar panels do I actually need to power my home?” The answer depends on a few key factors like your energy usage, roof size, and panel efficiency. Let’s break it down in simple terms.
Factors That Decide How Many Solar Panels You Need
Your Electricity Consumption
- The average household uses 250–350 units (kWh) per month.
- Your exact requirement depends on appliances, air conditioning, and lifestyle.
Solar Panel Wattage
- Most panels today range from 400W–550W per panel.
- Higher-wattage panels = fewer panels required.
Sunlight Hours
- Areas with 5–6 hours of peak sunlight per day need fewer panels compared to areas with less sunshine.
Roof Space
- A standard 400W panel needs around 20 sq. ft. of space.
- The total number of panels must fit comfortably on your roof.
General Estimate of Solar Panels for a Home
| Household Size | Avg. Monthly Use (kWh) | Solar System Size (kW) | No. of Panels (400W) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Home (2–3 people) | 200–250 | 2–3 kW | 5–8 panels |
| Medium Home (3–5 people) | 300–500 | 4–6 kW | 10–15 panels |
| Large Home (5+ people) | 600–800+ | 7–10 kW | 18–25 panels |
Note:These are averages—actual needs depend on your energy habits
Example Calculation
If your home uses 450 kWh per month:
- Daily usage = 15 kWh
- With 5 sunlight hours, you’d need a system of ~3 kW
- Using 400W panels: 3,000 ÷ 400 = 7–8 panels
Other Things to Consider
Battery Storage – If you want backup power, add batteries. This doesn’t change the number of panels directly but may increase your system size.
Future Needs – Planning to buy an EV or new appliances? Consider a slightly larger system now.
Efficiency of Panels – High-efficiency panels (TOPCon, HJT) generate more power in less space.
VMJ Solar’s Perspective
At VMJ Solar, we don’t give cookie-cutter answers. Instead, we analyze your past electricity bills, roof structure, and lifestyle to recommend the perfect number of panels. Our goal is to give you just the right system size—no wastage, no shortage.
FAQs
1. Is 1 kW enough to run a house in India?
A 1 kW solar system can power basic appliances in a small household, such as lights, fans, a TV, and a refrigerator. However, it may not be sufficient for homes with higher energy demands or additional appliances.
2. Can I run 2 ACs on a 5 kW solar system?
Yes, a 5 kW solar system can support two 1-ton ACs or one 1.5-ton AC for several hours daily, depending on sunlight availability and energy efficiency. However, running two ACs simultaneously for extended periods may push the system to its limits.
3. Do I need batteries to run my house fully on solar?
If you want backup during power cuts, yes. For grid-connected savings only, batteries are optional.
4.3: How much roof space do I need?
For a medium home with 12 panels, you’ll need about 250 sq. ft. of shadow-free space.
Conculsion:
The number of solar panels your house needs depends on your power consumption, panel efficiency, and roof space. At VMJ Solar, we design your system for maximum savings and energy independence—tailored to your home, your lifestyle, and your future needs.