The number of solar panels you'll need for your home will depend on several factors. One simple way of answering "How many solar panels do I need" is to let a local solar installer look at your home and give you a quote for system size (including number of wattage of panels), cost, and estimated annual and lifetime savings.

Another way, is to look at your electricity bill to get your home’s hourly energy usage, multiply that by the peak sunlight hours for your home (3 to 4 hours on average), and divide by 400, which is an average wattage for solar panels (although they can range from 350 to 460).

Hourly energy usage x peak sunlight hours / 400 = number of panels. This typically ranges from 17-42 panels.

Most home solar systems use monocrystalline panels because they’re more efficient at converting sunlight into electricity. These panels are made from a single crystal of silicon, which helps electricity flow more easily compared to polycrystalline panels, which are made from melted silicon fragments.

Another key difference is the type of silicon used in the cells.

P-type cells have been common for years.

N-type cells are now becoming the preferred choice because they perform better in heat, degrade more slowly, and are generally more efficient.

Many manufacturers are now moving to n-type monocrystalline panels—a top choice for homeowners looking for long-term performance.

Yes, solar panels experience some efficiency loss over time, but it’s minimal and expected. This gradual decline is due to long-term exposure to sunlight. All of our panels come with a 25- or 30-year manufacturer’s warranty, depending on the model, and are designed for long-term performance. We maintain high quality standards and work closely with our panel manufacturers and partners to ensure reliability—backed by long-lasting warranties and support.