How Many Solar Panels Does Your Home Really Need?
Key Takeaways/TLDR
The number of solar panels depends on your home’s energy use, roof size, and location
Most Alberta homes need between 10 to 20 panels
LUMI Renewables offers custom system designs based on your exact needs
A consultation can help you get an accurate quote and layout for your home
Introduction
One of the most common questions we hear from homeowners is:
“How many solar panels do I actually need?”
It is a great question, but the answer is not one-size-fits-all. The number of panels required depends on how much electricity your household uses, how much sun your roof gets, and what your goals are for saving money or becoming energy independent.
At LUMI Renewables, we help homeowners design systems that are tailored, not templated. Here is how the panel count is calculated.
What Affects How Many Panels You Need?
1. Your Annual Electricity Usage
The more energy you use, the more solar power you will need to offset it.
You can find this number on your utility bill. It is usually listed in kilowatt-hours (kWh). The average Alberta household uses around 7,200 kWh per year.
2. Your Roof Space and Orientation
Not all roofs are created equal.
To get the most out of your system, you will want panels facing south or southwest, with minimal shading. A single panel takes up about 18 square feet, so we will also look at how many can physically fit on your roof.
3. Your Goals
Are you aiming to offset 100 percent of your energy use, or just reduce your power bills?
Some homeowners choose to start with a partial system and expand later, while others want to generate as much as possible right away. Your budget and long-term goals both matter when sizing your system.
Example Calculation
Let’s say you use 8,000 kWh per year.
Each panel produces 500 kWh annually
You would need: 8,000 ÷ 500 = 16 panels
Typical Range for Alberta Homes
Most residential systems we install in Alberta range from 5 to 10 kW, or about 10 to 20 panels.
Larger homes with higher energy use may require more. Smaller homes or partial systems may need fewer panels.
Why a Site Assessment Matters
There are many online calculators that give rough estimates, but the best way to know how many panels your home needs is through a professional assessment. At LUMI Renewables, we:
Analyze your energy bills
Measure your available roof space
Check shading and sun exposure using solar mapping tools
Design a custom system layout that fits your home and budget
Final Thoughts
The number of solar panels your home needs depends on your usage, space, and goals. Instead of guessing, let our team help you find the proper setup for maximum savings and long-term value.
Book your free solar consultation with LUMI Renewables today
We will help you determine the perfect number of panels and show you exactly what your roof can do.
Let me know if you'd like a visual version of this (like a panel count vs. usage chart), or a short version for your email newsletter.
