How Much Solar Do I Need on the Gulf Coast?
How Much Solar Power Does a Gulf Coast Home Really Need?
Most homeowners ask, “How big should my solar system be?”
Here’s a simple way to estimate it — no jargon, just real numbers that fit the Gulf Coast.
Step 1 — Check your power bill
Find your average monthly kWh. If it changes by season, use your 12-month average.
Step 2 — Know our sun output
On the Gulf Coast, 1 kW of solar makes about 1,500 kWh per year.
Step 3 — Use this rule of thumb
1 kW of solar ≈ 125 kWh per month
Example:
If you use 1,000 kWh per month → you’ll need about 8 kW of solar to cover it.
Quick Sizing Chart
| Monthly Usage | System Size | Panel Count (425 W each) |
|---|---|---|
| 600 kWh | 5 kW | 12–14 |
| 800 kWh | 6.5 kW | 16–18 |
| 1,000 kWh | 8 kW | 19–22 |
| 1,200 kWh | 9.5 kW | 22–26 |
What Affects Your Size
- Shade and roof direction
- Adding a battery for nighttime backup
- Future loads (EV, pool, or workshop)
- Budget and ROI — sometimes 80–90% coverage gives faster payback
Real Example
A family in Slidell, LA, averages 1,050 kWh/month.
We installed an 8.4 kW system (20 Jinko panels) producing ~12,600 kWh/year.
Ready to Find Your Number?
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Estimates are based on regional averages (1 kW ≈ 1,500 kWh/year). Final designs depend on roof, shade, and equipment.