Panel counts for common situations
Every page here runs the same arithmetic (usage ÷ panel output, with the sun figure and the 0.77 derate stated), just entered from a different door: the bill, the house, the system size on a quote, or the one appliance you actually care about.
By monthly usage
500 kWh a monthAbout 12 panels at average US sun.
750 kWh a monthAbout 18 panels at average US sun.
1,000 kWh a monthAbout 24 panels at average US sun.
1,250 kWh a monthAbout 30 panels at average US sun.
1,500 kWh a monthAbout 36 panels at average US sun.
2,000 kWh a monthAbout 48 panels at average US sun.
2,500 kWh a monthAbout 60 panels at average US sun.
3,000 kWh a monthAbout 72 panels at average US sun.
4,000 kWh a monthAbout 95 panels at average US sun.
By house size
1,000 sq ft houseAssumes ~600 kWh/mo (band 450 to 850); about 15 panels typical.
1,200 sq ft houseAssumes ~680 kWh/mo (band 500 to 950); about 17 panels typical.
1,500 sq ft houseAssumes ~800 kWh/mo (band 600 to 1,100); about 19 panels typical.
2,000 sq ft houseAssumes ~1,000 kWh/mo (band 750 to 1,400); about 24 panels typical.
2,500 sq ft houseAssumes ~1,180 kWh/mo (band 900 to 1,600); about 29 panels typical.
3,000 sq ft houseAssumes ~1,350 kWh/mo (band 1,000 to 2,000); about 33 panels typical.
By system size
4 kW system10 panels at 400W.
5 kW system13 panels at 400W.
6 kW system15 panels at 400W.
8 kW system20 panels at 400W.
10 kW system25 panels at 400W.
12 kW system30 panels at 400W.
By single load
RefrigeratorTwo panels, and the battery question.
Chest freezerOne panel covers most of them.
Window ACSummer duty cycles, real counts.
Mini splitThe efficient one; the math shows it.
Central ACThe big load, honestly counted.
Pool pumpThe stealth 8 kWh a day.
Well pumpSmall daily energy, big surge.
Heat pump water heaterA clean two-panel electrification load.
EV chargingPanels per commute mile.
RV and van
RV solarA 12V load table, then panels by the sun you travel through.
Camper van solarLean loads, small roof, 100W and 200W panel counts.