How Many Solar Panels Do I Need for My Home?
14th February 2025
Learn how to size a solar panel system for residential use.
Solar panels are great for the environment, and great for your pocket. With abundant sunlight in Australia, solar might just be the perfect energy generator. If you’ve made the choice to switch to solar, you’ll be in good company with more than 3.6 million rooftop solar installations in Australia. If you’re thinking about investing in renewable electricity, keep reading to find out how you can make the most of your solar panels.
Types of solar
Solar PV (Photovoltaic) panels generate clean electricity from sunlight, while solar hot water systems use the heat of the sun to heat water for household use. Both can be installed on the roof of a home. This post focuses on solar PV panels that generate clean electricity for households.
Solar energy systems create direct current (DC) electricity which is transformed by the system’s inverter into alternating current (AC) electricity which is compatible with Australian homes and the electricity grid. Systems installed in Australia are net wired, enabling the house to use available solar electricity during the day and send any excess back to the grid. Excess solar energy is then exported back into the grid in return for credit on your bill based on a feed in tariff. Alternatively, a battery storage system can be installed to capture unused solar power for use another time.
Households use the grid when the solar panels are not producing enough electricity to meet the household’s needs.
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How to size a solar panel system
In this post, we’re focusing on sizing your solar panel system.
It’s a good idea to consider a few things before you buy a solar energy system, including:
- Your current and future energy consumption;
- The number of panels your roof can fit;
- The level of efficiency you can expect the system to perform at based on the angle of the panels, the direction they would face, and the extent to which the panels will be shaded;
- The amount you’re prepared to spend on your solar energy system;
- Your location.
The amount of daily sunlight hours in your area will play a part in your decision along with the size of solar your electricity distributor will allow you to connect to the grid.
Solar energy systems range in size and type. The average system currently being installed ranges between 3 and 5kW. A 3kW system could produce a daily average of 11.7 kWh in Sydney and 10.8 kWh in Melbourne.
Calculate how many solar panels you need
Accredited solar technicians are trained to design solar energy systems based on site suitability and your specific needs.
To determine the most appropriate size system, you should work with a professional installer, who will be able to give you appropriate options by assessing the site, understanding your needs and by reviewing your recent consumption. If you are still unsure about the right system, there may be benefit in finding a provider that offers site inspections to help design the right solution.
The final word
With Australia’s abundant sunlight, solar is a great energy generator. By using reputable installers, you can ensure you install a suitable system for your home.
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About Red Energy
Red Energy is 100% owned by Snowy Hydro Limited, who own, manage, and maintain the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme in New South Wales. Our Customer Solutions team is 100% based in Australia.