Thinking of going solar in Dallas but unsure how many panels you’ll actually need? You’re not alone. For homeowners across North Texas, understanding how to size a solar energy system is one of the most common (and confusing) first steps.
The good news? We’re here to make it simple. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to estimate the number of panels your home needs—based on your energy use, roof size, panel efficiency, and Dallas’s sunny skies.
What Affects the Number of Solar Panels You Need?
1. Your Monthly Electricity Usage
Start by looking at your electric bill. In Dallas, the average household uses about 1,100–1,200 kWh per month. If your bill shows significantly more or less, that will directly affect how many panels you need.
2. Your Roof Size and Orientation
Not all roofs are created equal. A south-facing roof with plenty of sunlight exposure is ideal. You’ll also need adequate space:
- One standard solar panel is about 17–21 sq ft
- A 9 kW system (common for Dallas homes) requires ~400–600 sq ft
3. Panel Wattage and Efficiency
Panels range from 250W to 400W. Fewer high-efficiency panels are needed to generate the same amount of power.
- 250W panel = more panels, more space
- 370W+ panel = fewer panels, better performance
4. Sunlight Availability in Dallas
Dallas homeowners are lucky—5.5+ peak sun hours per day makes it one of the best cities in the U.S. for solar production. That means fewer panels are needed compared to cloudier regions.
Sample Solar Panel Estimates for Dallas Homes
Let’s look at two examples to make it real:
1,500 sq ft Home (Typical Use)
– Energy Usage: ~1,100 kWh/month
– System Size: 8.5–9 kW
– Panels Needed (370W): ~24–26 panels
2,500 sq ft Home (High Usage + EV)
– Energy Usage: ~1,800 kWh/month
– System Size: 13–14 kW
– Panels Needed (370W): ~35–38 panels
| Home Size | kWh/Month | System Size | Panels Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,500 sq ft | 1,100 | 9 kW | 26 panels |
| 2,000 sq ft | 1,400 | 11 kW | 30 panels |
| 2,500 sq ft | 1,800 | 13.5 kW | 36 panels |
How Do I Calculate the Number of Panels I Need?
Use this basic formula:
System Size (kW) = Monthly kWh ÷ 120
(120 accounts for daily sun hours and performance ratio in Dallas)
Then:
Panels Needed = (System Size × 1,000) ÷ Panel Wattage
Example: If your usage is 1,200 kWh/month and you use 370W panels:
– System size = 10 kW
– Panels = 10,000 ÷ 370 ≈ 27 panels
Local Incentives That Lower Your System Size & Cost
Even better? Dallas homeowners qualify for the Federal Solar Tax Credit, which lets you deduct 30% of your system cost from your federal taxes.
Some utility providers like Oncor and TXU also offer local net metering and rebate programs. These reduce your overall cost—and how many panels you need to break even.
Learn more about tax credits here.
Final Thoughts: Solar Smarter in Dallas
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but now you know what to consider. From your electric bill to your roof space, solar is a smart investment—and it all starts with knowing your needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many solar panels do I need for a 2,000 sq ft home in Dallas?
It depends on your energy usage. On average, you may need a 10–11 kW system, which translates to roughly 28–30 panels if using high-efficiency 370W panels.
Is there a formula to calculate how many solar panels I need?
Yes. Divide your average monthly energy usage (in kWh) by 120 to estimate your system size in kW. Then divide that by your panel wattage.
Example: 1,200 ÷ 120 = 10 kW system. 10,000 ÷ 370 = ~27 panels.
How much space do I need on my roof for solar panels?
Each panel takes up about 17–21 sq ft. A typical Dallas home needs around 400–600 sq ft of clear roof space for a full residential system.
Does the number of panels depend on where I live in Dallas?
Not drastically. All of Dallas gets strong sunlight, but shading from trees or nearby buildings can reduce production—so exact placement still matters.
Will installing more panels always generate more savings?
Not always. Oversizing your system beyond your usage can be inefficient. Net metering helps, but a right-sized system is always more cost-effective.