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.
4,000 kWh a monthAbout 95 panels at average US sun.
By house size
1,000 sq ft house~600 kWh/mo assumed, about 15 panels.
1,200 sq ft house~680 kWh/mo assumed, about 17 panels.
1,500 sq ft house~800 kWh/mo assumed, about 19 panels.
2,000 sq ft house~1,000 kWh/mo assumed, about 24 panels.
2,500 sq ft house~1,180 kWh/mo assumed, about 29 panels.
3,000 sq ft house~1,350 kWh/mo assumed, about 33 panels.
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.
EV chargingPanels per commute mile.