Solar sizing by electric bill
How many solar panels do you need for a $200 electric bill?
Headline estimate for California
- Implied monthly use
- 606 kWh
- System size
- 3.8–4.6 kW
- Panel count
- 10–12
- First-year savings
- $1,624–$1,966
$0.33/kWh, as of Aug 2026.
Range sized around implied annual use.
Panel estimate from the published data model.
Modeled estimate, not a quote.
Compare all eight states
The same bill maps to different usage and system sizes at each published state rate.
| State | Monthly use | System size | Panels | First-year savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | 606 kWh | 3.8–4.6 kW | 10–12 | $1,624–$1,966 |
| Arizona | 1,313 kWh | 7–8.6 kW | 18–22 | $1,292–$1,587 |
| Texas | 1,250 kWh | 8.7–10.6 kW | 22–27 | $1,316–$1,603 |
| Florida | 1,333 kWh | 8.8–10.7 kW | 22–27 | $2,171–$2,639 |
| Nevada | 1,429 kWh | 7.9–9.6 kW | 20–24 | $1,892–$2,299 |
| Colorado | 1,333 kWh | 8.9–10.9 kW | 23–28 | $2,154–$2,638 |
| North Carolina | 1,667 kWh | 12.1–14.8 kW | 31–37 | $1,396–$1,708 |
| Georgia | 1,263 kWh | 8.8–10.7 kW | 22–27 | $1,455–$1,769 |
Frequently asked questions
How much electricity does a $200 bill represent?
In California, the highest-rate state in this comparison, it implies about 606 kWh per month at the published residential rate of $0.33/kWh.
Is this a solar quote?
No. This is an estimate, not a quote. Your usage, rate, roof orientation, shading, and available roof area determine the actual recommendation.
Why do estimates differ by state?
The same bill can represent different electricity use because residential rates, solar exposure, self-consumption, and export compensation vary by state.
Check the roof behind the bill
Use your address to check orientation, shading, and usable roof area before treating a range as a recommendation.