November 2025
How Many Solar Panels Do You Need?
Find out what factors affect how many solar panels your home will need.
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The number of solar panels you need depends on your electricity usage and the efficiency of the panels you choose. Most UK homes need between 8 and 16 panels to cover their typical energy needs.
When considering solar for your home, you might be wondering just how many panels you’ll need to have installed on your roof. Solar power is an amazing way for you to lower your bills whilst also lowering your carbon footprint, but how many panels are needed is dependent on a few things.
How Many Solar Panels Can I Fit on My Roof?
The number of solar panels you can install depends on more than just roof size. Most UK roofs can’t be covered edge to edge – we have to leave a margin for safety, access, and to comply with building regulations. So, the usable area is usually a bit smaller than your total roof space.
Roof shape and orientation matter, too:
- Flat roofs can sometimes hold more panels but need mounting frames to angle them properly.
- Gable roofs often offer a wide, open area.
- Hip roofs can be more limited because of their shape.
- Features like chimneys, skylights, and vents can further cut down available space.
It’s not just about how many panels fit but also about what works for your home. There’s no need to overfill your roof if you won’t use the extra energy. A good setup should match your annual electricity needs to the number of panels you can accommodate.
Want tips on getting the most from your roof? Check out our guide to the best roof placement for solar panels.
How Many Solar Panels Will You Need On Average
On average, the number of solar panels needed for a residential installation can range from 4 to 25 panels to fully power a home. But this is completely dependent on variables such as roof orientation, sunlight hours, roof size and what your annual energy use is. Every household is different, but you can rest assured our solar team will tailor a plan designed to help you get the most out of solar.
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How Many Solar Panels Are You Allowed?
For most UK homes, there’s no strict limit on how many solar panels you can install, as long as you meet building regulations and local planning rules. Usually, you can install as many panels as your roof space allows, without needing special permission. If you live in a listed building or conservation area, or you’re planning a large system, check with your local authority before you get started.
How Many Solar Panels Can I Install Without Planning Permission?
Most homeowners in the UK don’t need planning permission to install solar panels. As long as the panels don’t stick out more than 200mm from the roof or go higher than the roof’s peak (not counting chimneys), you’re covered under permitted development.
How Many Solar Panels Do I Need To Go Off-Grid?
The number of solar panels required to go off-grid depends on your total electricity usage, available sunlight, and the size of your battery storage. Most UK homes would need at least 20 to 30 high-efficiency panels, along with a large battery system, to cover all their needs year-round. A solar expert can help you determine the optimal setup for your home, taking into account your energy usage, local conditions, and lifestyle.
How Many Solar Panels Do I Need To Make Money?
To earn money from solar, using a Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) rate, you'll usually need enough panels to generate more electricity than you use, so you can export the extra to the grid. For many UK homes, that’s around 10 to 16 panels or more, depending on your energy use and the efficiency of the panels. A tailored assessment will help you find the right system size to maximise any income from selling excess energy.
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How Many Solar Panels Do You Need for Everyday Appliances?
For Water Heater
Heating hot water for a single shower using an electric immersion heater typically uses around 1.4 to 2 kWh per shower. In the UK, one standard 350W solar panel gets about 3 hours of peak sunlight per day, which means it can generate roughly 1 kWh a day, or about 30 kWh in a month. That’s enough for up to 25 quick 10-minute showers each month from one panel, though households that shower daily or run frequent baths will need more panels to meet their hot water needs.
To Power A Fridge
A modern fridge-freezer typically uses around 1 kWh of electricity per day (30 kWh per month). One 350W solar panel in the UK, with average sunlight, generates about 30 kWh per month, enough to keep your fridge running year-round.
To Run An Electric Boiler
Electric boilers are one of the most power-hungry home appliances. Just one hour of use can require 9 kWh. Running your boiler for an hour or two daily (9 to 18 kWh/day) would need 9 to 18 panels just for the boiler. Most homes use solar to offset only part of a boiler’s demand.
To Run A TV
A typical TV uses about 0.1 kWh per hour. One 350W panel provides 30 kWh per month, which means you could watch about 300 hours of TV in a month, all powered by solar.
To Charge An Electric Car
Charging a small electric vehicle once a week (about 30 kWh per charge) totals around 120 kWh per month. You’ll need about four 350W solar panels to match this energy use in sunnier months.
To Heat A Hot Tub
A hot tub uses roughly 7 kWh per session. If you use it eight times a month, that’s 56 kWh. Two 350W panels can cover most of this use, but if you use your hot tub often, you’ll want three or more panels.
To Run A Heat Pump
A typical air source heat pump uses between 5 and 8 kWh per day (150 to 240 kWh/month). That’s 5 to 8 panels required to cover a heat pump’s monthly energy needs, depending on your system and local sunlight.
To Power A Whole House
The average UK home uses about 2,900 kWh per year (about 240 kWh per month). Covering this with solar power generally takes 8 to 10 panels, depending on roof exposure and local sunlight conditions.
All these figures assume a standard 350W panel and typical UK sunlight (about 3 peak hours a day). Your needs may vary depending on your location, usage, and the efficiency of your appliances.
Finding The Perfect Number Of Panels For Your Home Matters
Choosing the right number of solar panels comes down to a few key factors: your household’s energy use, the size and orientation of your roof, the efficiency of the panels, and how much sunlight your property gets each year. By considering each of these, you’ll be able to create a solar system that truly matches your needs, saving money and making your home more sustainable in the process.
Take the time to work out what’s right for you, and don’t hesitate to come to us to get expert advice if you’re unsure. With the right plan, you’ll get the most value from your solar investment for years to come.
Ready To See How Much You Could Save With Solar Panels?
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