How Many Solar Panels Do You Need?
System size is measured in kilowatts-peak (kWp), and the number of panels follows from that. You don't need to do the math yourself, but understanding it helps you spot an honest quote from an inflated one.
Start with your usage
First, find your monthly consumption in kWh — it's printed on your Meralco bill. A ₱10,000 bill is roughly 750–850 kWh per month, depending on your rate.
Divide by 30 to get your daily usage. Say that's about 27 kWh per day. That's the target your solar system should aim to cover during daylight.
Factor in peak sun hours
In the Philippines, panels produce useful power for the equivalent of about 4.5–5 'peak sun hours' a day on average. So to make ~27 kWh a day you'd need roughly a 6 kWp system (27 ÷ 4.5).
With modern 600-watt panels, a 6 kWp system is about 10 panels. Older or smaller panels mean more units for the same output.
Roof space and headroom
Each large panel takes roughly 2.2–2.4 square metres. Ten panels need around 22–24 m² of unshaded roof — most homes have enough, but heavily shaded or cramped roofs may cap your size.
It's often wise to size slightly above today's usage if you plan to add an EV, more aircon, or appliances later. Oversizing too much, though, just exports cheap credits — the sweet spot matches your real consumption.
As a rough rule: a ₱10,000/month bill needs about 6 kWp — roughly 10 modern panels. Your exact size depends on your usage pattern and roof; our calculator sizes it precisely from your bill.
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