How Many Solar Panels
Do I Need?
Knowing how many solar panels you need helps you design a system that saves more and performs better from day one.

Understand the Right Solar System Size for Your Home
“How many solar panels do I need?” is one of the most common questions we get at Eden Power Ltd. The answer depends on your household’s electricity consumption and your available roof space.
Eden Power can work out the best size solar system to meet your needs and generate enough electricity to save you money. Our solar panel installation team in Shropshire, Shrewsbury, Ludlow and Herefordshire will analyse your energy usage, roof space, and exposure to the sun to determine the optimal number of panels to help lower your electricity costs.
Read more on this subject or get a free quote to find out more information tailored towards your needs.
how many
What Determines How Many Solar Panels You Need
01
HOW IT WORKS
Your Household Energy Usage
02
HOW IT WORKS
Panel Efficiency and Power Output
The majority of solar panels on the market today range from 350–450 watts per panel. The higher the wattage, the more power the panel produces in the same roof area. In other words, the more efficient the panel, the fewer panels you will need.
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HOW IT WORKS
Roof Size and Orientation
The ideal solar roof faces south and is located in Shropshire or Herefordshire, where it is subject to little shading. East- and west-facing roofs can also perform well, although it may need more solar panels to achieve the same output.
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HOW IT WORKS
Your Energy Goals
Do you want to offset 100% of your consumption, or just lower your bills?
100% coverage: requires a larger system (4–6 kW)
Partial coverage: a smaller system (2–3 kW) can still make a difference.
Typical System Sizes for UK Homes
Property Type | Annual Usage (kWh) | System Size (kW) | Number of Panels* |
---|---|---|---|
Flat / 1 Bed Home | 2,000–2,500 | 2–3 kW | 5–8 |
2–3 Bed Semi-Detached | 3,000–4,000 | 3–4 kW | 8–10 |
4 Bed Detached | 4,500–5,500 | 5–6 kW | 12–15 |
Large Property / EV Owner | 6,000+ | 6–8 kW | 15–20 |
*Assuming 400W solar panels with average UK conditions.
How to Calculate How Many Solar Panels You Need
Check your annual electricity usage (in kWh) on your energy bills.
Divide your annual kWh usage by 365 to find your daily average.
Estimate your sunlight hours: in the UK, an average of 3.5 hours/day is typical.
Divide daily kWh by 3.5, then by your chosen panel’s wattage (in kW).
For example:
A household using 4,000 kWh/year with 400W panels will need:
→ 4,000 ÷ 365 = 10.96 kWh/day
→ 10.96 ÷ 3.5 = 3.13 kW system
→ 3.13 ÷ 0.4 = 8 panels required
This formula gives a solid estimate, but our free calculator or survey can provide a precise figure for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many solar panels do I need for a 3-bedroom house in Shropshire?
A typical 3-bedroom home in Shropshire uses around 3,000–4,000 kWh per year, which usually requires 8–10 solar panels (a 3–4 kW system). The exact number depends on your panel efficiency, roof direction, and how much of your energy you want to offset.
How do I calculate solar system size for my home in Shrewsbury or Ludlow?
To size your solar system, start with your annual energy usage (in kWh) from your bills. Divide that by 1,000 to estimate your required system size in kW, then match that to the wattage of your panels. Our experts can calculate the most efficient setup for Shrewsbury and Ludlow homes.
How many solar panels do I need in the UK to power a household?
Most UK households need 8–12 solar panels to cover their daily energy needs. This can vary depending on your roof size, local sunlight hours, and power consumption. In regions like Herefordshire or Shropshire, 1 kW of solar typically requires 2–3 panels.
Does location affect how many solar panels I need in Herefordshire or Shropshire?
Yes, areas with slightly lower sunlight hours, like Herefordshire and parts of Shropshire, may need one or two additional panels to produce the same energy as sunnier regions. Our local assessments ensure your system is perfectly sized for maximum year-round performance.
OUR WORK
Take A Look At Some Of Our Recent Home Solar Panel Installs
Explore detailed examples of our successful renewable energy projects by viewing our recent work.
Read the Guide Below to Learn More
How Many Solar Panels Do I Need for My Home?
Solar power is gaining popularity throughout the UK which drives more homeowners to consider renewable energy sources. One of the most common questions we get at Eden Power Ltd is: How many solar panels does my home require? The question shows wisdom but cannot be answered with a universal solution. Your solar panel requirements depend […]