How Much Roof Area Do You Need for Solar?
As a thumb rule, 1 kW of solar requires about 65–80 sq ft of shadow-free roof space using 400W panels.
Typical System Sizes by Home Type
- 1 BHK / Small apartment: 1–2 kW — needs 80–160 sq ft
- 2–3 BHK home: 3–5 kW — needs 240–400 sq ft
- Large bungalow / villa: 5–10 kW — needs 400–800 sq ft
Pro Tip: Always deduct 20% for gaps between panels, mounting walkways, and water tanks. A flat roof can also use elevated south-facing mounts to maximise output.