How Many Solar Panels Do You Need in Canada? A Practical Guide for Homes
How Many Solar Panels Do You Need in Canada?
Thinking about investing in solar? One of the first questions Canadian homeowners ask is: How many solar panels do I actually need? Whether you're trying to offset your electricity bill or completely power your home, understanding how to size a solar system is key — especially in Canada, where sun hours and energy use vary greatly by province.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the basics of solar panel sizing, using a real-world 6kW grid-tie system as an example. We’ll also introduce some of the most reliable components in the market — like Thornova 500W panels, NEP microinverters, and Sunmodo mounting systems — so you know exactly what your setup might look like.
What Affects How Many Solar Panels You Need?
Several key factors influence the number of panels your home will require:
- Your average monthly energy usage (kWh): Most Canadian homes use between 700–1,000 kWh/month.
- Sunlight hours by region: For example, southern BC receives more annual sun than much of Ontario.
- Panel wattage: High-efficiency panels like the Thornova 500W reduce the total number of panels needed.
- Installation angle and shading: Roof tilt, direction, and shade all impact output.
Quick Tip: A 500W panel produces about 1.5–2.5 kWh/day depending on season and location.
Example: Sizing a 6kW Grid-Tie Solar System
Let’s say your home consumes ~900 kWh/month. To offset most of your usage, you’d need a system that produces about 30 kWh/day.
Using high-efficiency Thornova 500W solar panels, you would need:
- 12 panels × 500W = 6kW total system size
- Paired with 6 NEP BDM-800 microinverters (each handles 2 panels)
- Mounted on your roof using the Sunmodo system, optimized for Canadian winters
This setup works well for most homes and qualifies for net metering in many provinces.
Shop Now: DIY Solar Grid Tie Kit - 6kW Solar Array with NEP Micro Inverters & Thornova Panels
What Is a Grid-Tie Solar System?
A grid-tie system connects your solar array to the public electricity grid. When you produce more power than you consume, excess energy is sent back to the grid — and you often receive credits on your bill (a process called net metering).
Advantages of grid-tie solar:
- No need for batteries
- Lower upfront cost
- Maximize ROI through provincial rebates and credits
Why We Recommend Microinverters
Microinverters like the NEP BDM-800 optimize each panel individually, increasing performance — especially if your roof has partial shading or varying angles.
Benefits of microinverters:
- Better energy yield
- Safer (no high-voltage DC wiring)
- Easier to expand system later
- Each NEP BDM-800 supports 2 × 500W panels
How to Calculate the Number of Panels You Need
Here’s a simplified formula:
(Monthly kWh usage × 12) ÷ (Average annual kWh per panel) = Number of panels
Example: A 500W panel in Ontario may produce ~600 kWh/year.
10,800 kWh/year ÷ 600 = 18 panels needed
This is a general guide. For a more precise estimate, contact us for a custom quote.
How Roof Size and Orientation Affect Your System
- Plan for at least 31 m² (335 ft²) of unshaded, south-facing roof space for a 6kW system
- East- or west-facing roofs reduce output slightly, but will work well also
- Avoid heavy shading from trees or nearby buildings
- Tilt angle should match your latitude for best year-round performance, however for grid tie roof system, the panels are usually mounted flush to the roof
Consider Your Electrical Panel
Before installing solar, make sure your electrical panel can handle the added input.
For example:
- A 100 A service with a 100 A or 125A busbar limits the solar breaker size
- Upgrading to a 200 A panel may be required for larger systems
Consult a certified electrician or your utility provider for specific guidance.
Energy Use by Home Size (Approximate Panel Count)
| Home Type | Avg. Monthly Usage (kWh) | Estimated Panels (500W) |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bedroom | 600–700 | 12–14 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | 800–1,100 | 16–22 |
| 4+ bedrooms | 1,200–1,600 | 24–30+ |
These values vary by region and efficiency. Always confirm with a solar specialist.
Compare Top Solar Panels
Here are some of our best-selling options:
- JA Solar 445W – Larger residential installs
- Thornova 500W – Ideal for high-output grid-tie systems
- Jinko 540W – Large-scale or commercial installs
Each panel has different dimensions and weights — important for roof space planning.
Visit our product comparison page or consult us to choose the best fit for your home.
Common Questions About Solar Sizing
How do I calculate solar panel needs for my home?
Use your hydro bill to find your monthly usage in kWh. Match that with estimated output per panel.
Is 6kW enough to power a home?
For most average-sized homes, yes — especially when using 500W high-efficiency panels.
Can I add more panels later?
Yes. Microinverters make expansion easier.
Do I need batteries for grid-tie?
No. Batteries are optional and typically used in off-grid or hybrid setups.
Ready to Go Solar?
Explore our Grid-Tie Kits, or get in touch for a personalized sizing consultation. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to install, we’ll help you build the right system — and make the switch to solar simple.
