How Many Solar Panels Do I Need? The Quick Answer

The average home needs between 15 and 25 solar panels.

But your home is not average. Your energy usage, roof size, roof orientation, and local sunlight all change the number.

Here is how to find your exact number in 60 seconds.

Step 1: Check your energy usage

Look at your last electric bill. Find your monthly kWh usage. The national average is about 900 kWh per month (10,800 kWh per year).

If you use more, you need more panels. If you use less, you need fewer.

Step 2: Check your location

Solar panels produce more energy in sunny areas. A panel in Phoenix produces about 5-6 kWh per day. A panel in Seattle produces about 3-4 kWh per day.

This means a Phoenix home might need 15 panels to cover its usage. A Seattle home might need 22 panels for the same usage.

Step 3: Check your roof

This is the step most people skip. You can need 20 panels but only have room for 12. Or you can have room for 30 panels but only need 15.

Your roof orientation matters too. South-facing roofs produce the most. East and west facing produce less. North-facing usually do not make sense.

Shading from trees, chimneys, or neighboring buildings can reduce production by 10-50%.

The fast way

SolrScan uses satellite imagery to analyze your roof in 60 seconds. It tells you:

• Exactly how many panels fit on your roof
• Your roof orientation and its impact on production
• Whether shading will reduce output
• Estimated energy production

It costs $19. No account needed. No sales call.

Run your analysis at solrscan.com

Why this matters

Knowing your exact panel count helps you:

• Compare quotes accurately (installers should quote based on actual panel count)
• Understand your expected savings
• Know if your roof can handle the system you need
• Avoid oversizing or undersizing

Do not guess. Get the data. Then go shopping for quotes with confidence.