Can You Go 100% Solar? What It Takes to Fully Power Your Home
As the cost of solar technology continues to fall and concerns over climate change rise, more homeowners are asking a big question: Can I power my entire home using solar energy alone? The short answer is yes — but it takes careful planning, the right equipment, and an understanding of your energy habits. In this blog, we’ll break down what it really takes to go 100% solar.
How to fully power your house with solar energy.
Understanding Your Energy Needs
Before you can determine how many solar panels you’ll need, the first step is to understand how much electricity your household uses. The average UK household consumes around 2,900 kWh per year, but this figure can vary significantly depending on the size of your home, number of occupants, and usage of high-energy appliances like electric heaters or air conditioning.
Tip: Check your previous electricity bills to calculate your average daily and monthly usage — this will help shape your solar setup.
How Many Solar Panels Will You Need?
The number of solar panels required depends on your energy consumption, roof size, orientation, and location. In the UK, a typical solar panel produces around 250–400 watts. To generate enough electricity to cover an average household’s needs, most homes require a system between 3–6 kW in size.
If you have limited roof space or live in a shaded area, you may need higher-efficiency panels or alternative placement strategies (like ground-mounted systems).
Don’t Forget Battery Storage
Solar panels only generate power during the day, so if you want to go fully solar, you’ll need a way to store excess energy for use at night or on cloudy days. That’s where solar batteries come in.
A high-capacity battery system allows you to store surplus energy and use it when needed, helping you reduce reliance on the grid. Some households opt for hybrid systems that still stay connected to the grid as a backup, while others aim for full off-grid independence.
Smart Energy Habits Matter
Even with the best equipment, achieving 100% solar living also requires smart energy habits. Using energy-efficient appliances, switching off unused electronics, and managing peak-time usage can significantly reduce your consumption — making it easier for your solar system to meet your needs.
Costs and Payback
While the upfront cost of a full solar setup (including panels, inverters, and batteries) can be significant, the long-term savings are compelling. Government incentives and the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) can help offset initial costs by allowing you to sell excess energy back to the grid.
With proper planning, many homeowners find their investment pays for itself in 7–10 years — and offers energy security and environmental benefits for decades to come.
Going 100% solar is absolutely achievable, especially with today’s advanced technology and flexible storage solutions. By understanding your energy needs, investing in the right system, and adopting efficient habits, you can take control of your power supply — and make a big difference for both your wallet and the planet.
Get in touch today to start our journey together.
Stay committed!
Damien Frearson
