How Many Solar Panels Do I Need for My Home?

Byapproachpakistan@gmail.com Posted on
How many solar panels do i need for my home


Deciding how many solar panels you need depends on your monthly electricity usage and location. In Pakistan, where sunlight is abundant, solar panels are highly efficient and can easily offset most of your power needs. This blog breaks down the solar panel sizing process so you can make a smarter energy investment.

Understanding Solar System Sizing

1. Your Monthly Electricity Usage

Your average monthly electricity bill determines your solar panel needs. Look at your electricity bills to find your average monthly kilowatt-hour (kWh) usage. For example:

Monthly Usage (kWh)Recommended System SizeApproximate Number of Panels (450W each)
300–5003 kW6–7
500–7005 kW11–12
700–1000+7–10 kW15–22

2. Production Ratio (Specific to Pakistan)

A solar system’s production ratio tells you how much electricity (kWh) it will produce annually per kW installed. In Pakistan, solar systems have a high production ratio of 1.4 to 1.6, thanks to strong sunlight levels year-round.

Formula:

System Size (kW) = Average Monthly kWh / (Production Ratio × 30)

For example, if you consume 600 kWh/month:

3. Solar Panel Wattage

Most residential panels today range from 450W to 550W. The higher the wattage, the fewer panels you need. At Alpha Solar, we usually recommend 450W+ panels for maximum ROI.

Additional Considerations

Sunlight Exposure

Homes in Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Quetta typically get 5–6 hours of peak sunlight per day. More sunlight = higher energy output.

Roof Space

You’ll need about 80–100 sq. ft. per kW of solar panels. A typical 5 kW system needs 350–400 sq. ft. Make sure your roof has enough space and minimal shading.

Net Metering

If you install a system of 3 kW or more, you’re eligible for net metering in Pakistan. This allows you to send excess electricity back to the grid and earn credits, further reducing your electricity bill.

Appliance Load

Estimate your appliance usage. Here’s an example breakdown :

ApplianceDaily UsageWattageDaily kWhMonthly kWh
AC (1.5 Ton)8 hrs/day1500W12 kWh360
Fridge24 hrs/day150W3.6 kWh108
Lights & Fans6 hrs/day500W3 kWh90

Total = ~558 kWh/month → Recommend 5 kW system

FAQ’s

Typically a 5 kW system with about 12–14 panels, depending on panel wattage and sunlight availability.

Yes, if panels are high-efficiency (~450–500 W), 10 panels ≈ 4.5–5 kW, which may cover a small household

Monthly energy use (kWh), roof size, panel wattage, sunlight exposure, and local climate.

Not always. Grid‑tied systems work without it, but batteries are useful in areas with frequent load‑shedding.


Generally 300–400 sq. ft., depending on panel size and layout.


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