What Size Solar System Do I Need for My Home in Columbus?

If you’re thinking about installing residential solar panels in Columbus, Ohio, one of the first questions you’ll probably ask is:

“What size solar system do I actually need?”

Good question — and the honest answer is, it depends.

At BC Solar, we don’t guess or ballpark. We design every solar energy system based on your actual needs, not what benefits our bottom line.

Let’s break it down:

Key Factors That Affect Solar System Size

To determine the ideal solar system size for your home, we consider several specific factors:

• Your average electricity usage: We review 12 months of past utility bills to see your real consumption patterns, season by season.

• Roof direction and pitch: South-facing roofs get more sun, but we also design for east/west exposures when needed.

• Usable roof space: Shading, obstructions, and roof size all impact how many panels we can install.

• Battery backup plans: If you're adding batteries (many Columbus homeowners do), that influences system sizing too.

• Energy goals: Want to offset 100% of your usage? Or just cut your bill in half? We design to meet your goals.

What’s Typical in Columbus?

Every home is different, but most Columbus-area homes need between:

• 7 kW and 10 kW systems

• That’s roughly 18 to 25 panels, depending on panel type and efficiency

This size generally covers most — if not all — of a home’s yearly energy needs, especially when paired with smart energy habits and battery storage.

Why BC Solar Doesn’t Upsell

We’ve seen it too often: big solar companies pushing oversized systems with inflated financing packages. That’s not how we operate.

Brian Zaayer, owner of BC Solar, reviews every system personally. We’ll never sell you more than you need. If your usage only justifies a 6.5 kW system, that’s what we’ll recommend — even if it’s less profitable for us.

Because doing the right thing always comes first.

Real Example from Columbus

One recent homeowner in Clintonville used about 950 kWh/month. After our site assessment and shading analysis, we installed a 9.1 kW system paired with two batteries. It now covers 96% of their annual usage and keeps the fridge, sump pump, and furnace blower running even during outages.

FAQs

Q: How much space do I need for a solar system?
A: A 7 to 10 kW system typically needs 350–500 square feet of usable roof space. We assess this during your site visit.

Q: What if my energy use changes after installation?
A: Our systems are designed to be modular. If your needs increase, we can often add panels or expand battery capacity later.

Q: Can I go off-grid in Columbus?
A: It’s possible, but most homeowners opt for grid-tied systems with battery backup. This gives the best mix of savings and reliability.

Looking for an honest solar company in Columbus that respects your budget and energy goals?

Talk to BC Solar. We’ll help you find the system that fits — no pressure, no fluff.

📍 Visit us at 777 Busch Ct, Columbus, OH
📞 Call (614) 442-9700
🌐 bc.solar