Solar sizing by home size
Solar panels for a 3,000 sq ft home
Example range for California
- Annual use
- 10,500–24,000 kWh
- System size
- 6–13.8 kW
- Panel count
- 15–35
- First-year savings
- $2,564–$5,898
Usage range from the data layer.
A wide estimate by design.
Depends on actual electricity use.
Modeled estimate, not a quote.
Compare all eight states
| State | Annual use | System size | Panels | First-year savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | 10,500–24,000 kWh | 6–13.8 kW | 15–35 | $2,564–$5,898 |
| Arizona | 10,500–24,000 kWh | 5.2–11.9 kW | 13–30 | $960–$2,196 |
| Texas | 10,500–24,000 kWh | 6.8–15.5 kW | 17–39 | $1,028–$2,344 |
| Florida | 10,500–24,000 kWh | 6.4–14.6 kW | 16–37 | $1,579–$3,601 |
| Nevada | 10,500–24,000 kWh | 5.4–12.3 kW | 14–31 | $1,293–$2,945 |
| Colorado | 10,500–24,000 kWh | 6.5–14.9 kW | 17–38 | $1,573–$3,606 |
| North Carolina | 10,500–24,000 kWh | 7.1–16.1 kW | 18–41 | $819–$1,858 |
| Georgia | 10,500–24,000 kWh | 6.8–15.5 kW | 17–39 | $1,124–$2,562 |
| New Jersey | 10,500–24,000 kWh | 8.3–18.9 kW | 21–48 | $2,428–$5,529 |
| Massachusetts | 10,500–24,000 kWh | 8.1–18.4 kW | 21–46 | $3,061–$6,953 |
| South Carolina | 10,500–24,000 kWh | 6.8–15.5 kW | 17–39 | $1,002–$2,284 |
| Pennsylvania | 10,500–24,000 kWh | 8.1–18.4 kW | 21–46 | $2,322–$5,275 |
| Ohio | 10,500–24,000 kWh | 8.3–18.9 kW | 21–48 | $1,267–$2,885 |
| Maryland | 10,500–24,000 kWh | 7.9–18 kW | 20–45 | $2,319–$5,283 |
| Illinois | 10,500–24,000 kWh | 8.3–18.9 kW | 21–48 | $1,457–$3,318 |
| Virginia | 10,500–24,000 kWh | 7.5–17.2 kW | 19–43 | $1,885–$4,322 |
| Connecticut | 10,500–24,000 kWh | 8.1–18.4 kW | 21–46 | $2,425–$5,510 |
| New York | 10,500–24,000 kWh | 8.7–19.8 kW | 22–50 | $2,983–$6,790 |
Frequently asked questions
How many panels does a 3,000 sq ft home need?
The estimate spans 15–35 panels in California, reflecting a wide household-usage range rather than floor area alone.
Why is the range so wide?
Actual electricity usage depends on number of occupants, HVAC type and efficiency, insulation, local climate, water heating, and appliance load far more than floor area alone. The range above reflects the real U.S. spread for this home size; a solar installer's on-site evaluation of your bills and roof will produce a more precise estimate.
Is this a solar quote?
No. This is an estimate, not a quote. Actual sizing starts with electricity bills and a check of usable, unshaded roof area.
Replace the floor-area guess with a roof check
Check the usable area, orientation, and shade at your address before planning a system.