If you’ve been looking into renewable options around Keynsham lately, this question probably popped into your head the moment you started browsing. It is the first thing most homeowners ask, and the answer depends on a few straightforward factors. Let us break it down so you can get a clear picture for your own home.
How do I calculate the amount of solar panels I need?
Starting with your energy usage, the number of solar panels you need really comes down to one figure: how much electricity you use in a year. The average house in the UK uses somewhere between 2,700 and 3,700 kilowatt-hours annually (according to the Energy Saving Trust). If you have electric heating, own an electric vehicle, or even just work from a home office, that number can go up quite a bit further.
A standard solar panel that you can find in the UK market right now usually has a rating of around 400-450 watts. Given the amount of sunlight we typically get in the UK, a single panel will usually generate about 350 to 400 kWh every year. So, it is pretty straight forward to work out.
Here is a table of estimates:
| Household size | Annual Usage (kWh) | Panels Needed | Roof Space Needed (m²) | Annual savings (no battery) | Annual savings (with battery) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small home | 2,500 | 6–7 | 13–15 | £310–£375 | £480–£530 |
| Average home | 3,500 | 9–10 | 17–20 | £430–£510 | £620–£680 |
|
Large home (EV or electric heating) |
4,500 | 12–13 | 22–26 | £580–£680 | £820–£900 |
| Very high usage | 6,000 | 16–17 | 30–33 | £750–£880 | £1,050–£1,150 |
However, these are only estimates of the number of solar panels; for a clear answer, you should talk to an expert (like those here at BPM!) for a consultation.
Different types of solar panel installations
There are many different kinds of installations. Most houses choose a roof-mounted solar PV installation as it integrates well with the existing tiles on the roof. In case you have a flat roof or more land available, ground-mounted systems are also a possibility. These can be angled more precisely, but they do cost extra because of all the groundwork needed.
An average Keynsham solar PV installation usually takes one to two days. This depends on how big the system is and how complicated the roof happens to be. The panels themselves generally have performance warranties for twenty-five to thirty years, and the inverters typically last ten to fifteen years prior to needing replacement.
Thinking about a solar panel installation in Keynsham?
If you are located in or around Keynsham and thinking seriously about making the switch to solar, working with a local team really helps. A team that understands the local roofing situations, plus the planning rules and, of course, the grid connection process, makes a big difference. Here at BPM, we handle solar panel installation, from the first survey straight through to getting it all commissioned. We are very happy to just talk through what a Keynsham solar system could actually look like for your specific home. There is no pressure at all, just straightforward answers.
Keynsham does get a bit more sun compared to the UK average, which means your solar energy generation has a chance to be a bit better than what typical estimates suggest for other areas.
Doing a proper site survey is absolutely the only way to get a precise number for your particular setup, which is where BPM can come in with our experts to do a consultation with our Keynsham solar panel installers and give you a clear, detailed quote with no hidden costs.
Are you thinking about this? Drop a line at BPM on 01225 462598 or via email at renewables@bpm-cs.co.uk. We are local to Keynsham, fully qualified, MCS & Trustmark accredited, and we would certainly like to help you figure out what your numbers might be.
