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Solar System Size Calculator

Calculate the solar system size (kW) and number of panels your home needs from your monthly kWh usage and local sun hours.

Details

Results

Recommended system size
Daily kWh need
Approx. panels (400W)

Estimate only. Prices, sun hours and rates vary by location and installer.

How it works

We convert monthly kWh to a daily need, then divide by your local peak sun hours and a system efficiency factor to size the system, and estimate panel count at 400W each.

Sun hours drive size: the same usage needs a bigger system in cloudier regions.

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Size from usage, not roof space

The right system covers your actual electricity use given how much sun your location gets. We take your monthly kWh, break it into a daily target, and divide by local peak sun hours and a real-world efficiency factor. Cloudier regions need more panels for the same usage — which is why a Phoenix and a Seattle home with identical bills get different system sizes.

Good to know

FAQs

How big a solar system do I need?

Enough kW to cover your daily kWh given local sun hours — often 6–10 kW for a home.

What are peak sun hours?

The equivalent hours of full-strength sun per day in your area.

Why the efficiency factor?

Real systems lose ~20% to heat, wiring and inverter losses.

Is this exact?

No — an installer will refine it with your roof and shading.