How Much Solar Do I Need?

Figuring out how much solar you need depends on more than just your current electric bill. It’s important to think ahead—your energy use could change over time as your lifestyle evolves. That’s why sizing your solar system correctly is essential, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. In the sections below, we’ll walk you through how to estimate your energy needs and explain why a flexible solar and storage plan—like Sunrun Flex™ —can help you get started without having to lock in the “perfect” system size from day one.

It’s common to ask, “How many solar panels do I need?” You may know how much energy your household uses today, but what about later? Maybe your family will grow, or you’ll get an EV or a new air conditioning system. 

Most solar providers will quote you on a solar system sized to meet your energy needs today. They may also offer you a solar and storage system that produces a certain percentage of energy “offset” for future energy needs - but an oversized solar panel system now means you have to pay for energy you don’t yet need. You could add a second solar panel system later, but that means going through the whole process again, a second set of equipment, plus you’ll have two bills. 

Not anymore. Sunrun Flex is a solar and storage plan that is designed for homeowners who want a flexible solution that evolves with their growing energy consumption patterns. Learn more about how Sunrun’s adaptable solar and battery system may be the perfect solution for your family's evolving energy needs.

What is Sunrun Flex?

Sunrun Flex is a unique solar and battery storage plan that adapts to your changing energy needs, designed with the future in mind. Your system will meet your existing solar power needs, but we install enough solar panels needed to meet your needs tomorrow.

With these additional solar panels and advanced battery technology, you’ll be able to generate and store even more solar power, giving you extended protection during blackouts. It's an ideal solution for those looking to manage their current and future energy costs efficiently while embracing a sustainable lifestyle.

Why consider Sunrun Flex?

For those who’ve hesitated to go solar because you’re not sure how many solar panels you may need as your energy consumption changes, Sunrun Flex offers a compelling solution. In fact, Sunrun Flex is likely the best choice for everyone, except those who know for sure that their usage will decrease. This plan is not just about harnessing the sun's power today; it's about allowing you to continue to fuel your energy consumption with solar panels when your needs change tomorrow—whether you’re considering an electric vehicle, planning a home expansion, increasing the size of your household, or simply expecting changes in household energy consumption.

The challenge of adding a second solar panel system

Adding solar panels to an existing solar system can be more complex and costly than many realize. It often involves reassessment of your current system, additional permits, and sometimes, the need for new inverters or other components to handle the increased capacity. While Sunrun still supports system expansions, Sunrun Flex sidesteps these extra steps by allowing you to increase your energy usage without adding a second system. This approach not only simplifies your solar journey but keeps it cost-effective.

Who benefits most from Sunrun Flex?

Pretty much every homeowner does! Since annual energy usage tends to climb over time—expected or not—Sunrun Flex has you covered. It's perfect for:

• Anyone whose energy needs are growing: Whether it's a surprise or not, Sunrun Flex lets you handle higher energy use without any system upgrades.

• Tech lovers and the eco-aware: If you're adding more gadgets or switching to an electric vehicle, Sunrun Flex adjusts home’s annual energy usage goes up.

• Families in flux: Got a new baby or converting a room into an office? Flex makes adapting your energy setup a breeze, with no big solar installation needed down the road. Install solar panels once and don’t worry about it again.

Everyday benefits of choosing Sunrun Flex

Imagine a year with Sunrun Flex:

• Summer Surges: When the heat waves hit and your AC runs non-stop, Sunrun Flex effortlessly handles the jump in your energy needs. Your solar setup keeps you cool without breaking the bank. This plan would also ensure you have enough energy production to cover increased AC use as temperatures get warmer over time due to climate change.

• Power Outages: With outages becoming more frequent, Sunrun Flex ensures you have reliable energy. Even during a blackout, you’ll be powered up and prepared.

Choosing Sunrun Flex isn’t just about managing daily energy—it's about considering your annual electricity usage and how that will change over time. 

When might another option be better?

While Sunrun Flex offers unparalleled flexibility, it's not for everyone. If your energy needs are certain to decrease in the future, you might not fully benefit from the flexibility and storage options provided by Flex. In such cases, a straightforward solar lease might suit your needs.

With a traditional Sunrun Subscription Plan, our experts will help you design a right-sized system based on your current energy usage and future goals. We'll assess your home’s energy patterns, roof space, sun exposure, and local utility rates to recommend the ideal number of panels and battery storage capacity—so you can feel confident you’re getting a system built to perform. Whether you want to offset most of your usage now or plan for minimal changes ahead, we’ll tailor the setup to your home and budget.

Making the right choice

Choosing how much solar power you need is about understanding your current and future energy uses. With Sunrun as your solar installer, you can be sure you’re getting the perfect sized rooftop solar system from day one. With Sunrun Flex, you can step confidently into solar energy, knowing your system will grow with you. For those on the fence about installing rooftop solar panels, Flex offers a solution that adapts to your lifestyle, ensuring you’re never paying for more than you use, nor are you caught unprepared for increased energy needs.

At Sunrun, we understand that every homeowner's energy needs are unique. That's why we're committed to helping you find the perfect solar panels and storage option tailored specifically for your lifestyle. Sunrun Flex is part of our commitment to providing flexible, future-proof, and sustainable living solutions. Interested in exploring how we can light up your home with solar? Get a personalized quote and learn more about our diverse range of solar plans and services.

FAQs:

How many solar panels are required to power a typical home?

The number of solar panels required to power a typical home can vary widely based on the specific energy usage of the household, the geographic location, the efficiency of the solar panels, and how much sunlight the home receives. Generally, a typical U.S. home, which consumes about 877 kilowatt-hours per month, may need between 20 to 30 solar panels, assuming each panel produces about 250 to 400 watts. However, these numbers can change significantly based on local conditions and the specific energy needs of the home​. ^1,2,3

How many solar panels are needed for a 2,000 sq foot house?

For a 2,000 square foot house, the number of solar panels needed can vary greatly depending on factors like energy consumption, solar panel efficiency, and geographic location. A rough estimate could range from 20 to 40 panels if we assume a similar monthly energy usage as a typical home. It's crucial to conduct a detailed analysis of the home’s energy profile and consult with a solar installer to get a precise calculation tailored to the specific circumstances and energy goals of the property​. ^1,2,3

How do I calculate how many solar panels I need for my house?

Calculating how many solar panels you need for your house starts with understanding how much electricity your home uses each year, how much sunlight your roof gets, and what size and type of solar panels you plan to install. A rough estimate involves dividing your annual energy use (in kilowatt-hours) by how much energy solar panels typically produce in your area. But keep in mind, things like roof angle, shading, future energy needs, and system efficiency all play a role. That’s why it’s recommended to work with a qualified solar panels installer who can tailor a system to your specific home and goals.³

For all scenarios, it's recommended to consult with a professional to assess your home's specific needs and to consider using tools and resources provided by the Department of Energy to evaluate your home’s solar potential and the optimal size for a solar installation.