Concept: February 8, 2022. How Many Solar Panels Are Needed to Power an Average House?

Solar panels are made in two size groups: 60-cell solar panels and 72-cell solar panels. For the sake of simplicity, we are going to use examples of the 60-cell solar panels. Usually, these panels are about 5.4 feet tall by 3.25 feet wide their output is about 300 watts. Reference

The average electricity consumption in the United States is 11,000 kWh. Reference

In a sunny state like Arizona, the number of peak sun hours is 7.5. A peak sun hour is one hour in which the solar irradiance averages 1,000 watts per square meter. In a less sunny state like Michigan this number is about 3. Reference

In Arizona, (according to the above assumptions), a solar panel will produce 2250 Wh or 2.25 kWh per day. In a year it would be 821.25 kWh. Taking into account that the average house consumes 11,000 kWh, 13.4 panels (14) will be needed.

In Michigan, (according to the above assumptions), a solar panel will produce 900 Wh or 0.9 kWh per day. In a year it would be 328.5 kWh. Taking into account that the average house consumes 11,000 kWh, 33.5 panels (34) will be needed.

This post is intended to only raise awareness. In order to make actual financial decisions please contact your financial advisor and/or tax advisor prior to making the decision.