For churches, synagogues, and other religious institutions, every dollar matters. Managing a house of worship with tight budgets means rising energy costs can quietly drain resources that could otherwise support outreach, ministry, community programs, and building improvements. Many religious buildings operate throughout the week, hosting worship services, community events, educational programs, and charitable activities. All of this activity requires electricity, and those utility costs add up quickly.

Solar panels for churches offer a practical solution to this challenge. By generating your own clean energy onsite, your religious institution can lock in predictable energy costs, reduce dependence on utility companies, and redirect savings toward your mission. Solar changes the math completely for places of worship that want to be better stewards of their resources while demonstrating environmental stewardship to their congregation and the wider community.

Why Energy Costs Are a Growing Concern for Houses of Worship

Electricity costs have been rising steadily for years, and there’s no sign of that trend reversing. For houses of worship that operate large church buildings with heating, cooling, lighting, and technology needs, these increases can strain already limited budgets. Unlike businesses that can pass costs onto customers, religious institutions rely on donations and fundraising to cover their expenses.

Every year you continue paying rising electric bills to utility companies, those dollars leave your budget permanently. That money could fund youth programs, support members of the community in need, maintain your facilities, or expand your outreach efforts. The hidden cost of doing nothing adds up over the long term, making it harder to fulfill your mission and serve your faith traditions effectively.

Solar energy offers a way to take control of those costs. Instead of watching your electric bill climb year after year, you can generate your own electricity from a reliable, renewable source. Solar panels produce power from sunlight, a resource that’s free and abundant, allowing you to reduce or even eliminate your dependence on the grid.

How Solar Panels Work for Churches and Religious Institutions

A solar panel system installed on your church building or property converts sunlight into electricity that powers your facility. When the sun is shining, your solar panels generate power that meets your immediate energy needs. Any excess energy can either be stored in battery systems for later use or sent back to the grid, often earning you credits that offset future utility costs.

Solar installation is designed to match your specific energy usage patterns. A professional solar installer will assess your current electricity consumption, evaluate your roof or available land, and design a solar energy system that maximizes your savings. With 25 years of solar expertise, experienced providers like Kokosing Solar bring the technical knowledge and NABCEP-certified installers needed to ensure your system performs reliably for decades.

The process is straightforward. After an initial assessment, your solar solutions provider will handle design, permitting, installation, and connection to the grid. Once your solar panel system is operational, it begins generating power immediately, reducing your reliance on fossil fuels and lowering your monthly energy costs.

Financial Benefits: From Upfront Costs to Long-Term Savings

One of the biggest concerns for houses of worship considering solar is the upfront costs. The good news is that there are multiple pathways to make solar affordable, even for organizations with limited capital budgets.

Power Purchase Agreements

A Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) allows your house of worship to install a solar system with no upfront cost. Under this arrangement, a third party owns and maintains the solar panels, and your organization simply purchases the electricity they produce at a lower, predictable rate. This model has helped thousands of religious institutions go solar without tapping into their building fund or taking on debt.

Direct Pay and Federal Incentives

The Inflation Reduction Act introduced the new federal direct pay option, which is a game changer for tax-exempt organizations like churches and nonprofits. Previously, houses of worship couldn’t take advantage of the federal government’s investment tax credit because they don’t pay federal income taxes. The direct pay program changes that by allowing eligible organizations to receive a direct payment from the federal government equal to the value of the solar tax credit.

This means your religious institution can now access the same financial incentives that businesses have used for years. The investment tax credit, combined with potential bonus credits for certain projects, can cover a significant portion of your solar panel installation costs. Your solar installer can help you navigate these programs and determine your eligibility.

Predictable Energy Costs

Once your solar energy system is operational, you gain long-term protection from volatile electric inflation. Utility costs typically rise 3-5% annually, but solar locks in your energy production at a known cost. Over the 25-30 year lifespan of your solar panels, those savings compound dramatically. Instead of sending thousands of dollars each year to the utility company, you keep those resources in your budget where they can support your mission.

Environmental Stewardship and Community Leadership

Beyond the financial benefits, solar power allows your house of worship to live out values of environmental stewardship and care for creation. Many faith traditions teach the importance of protecting the environment and being good stewards of the resources entrusted to us. Installing solar panels demonstrates that commitment in a visible, tangible way.

Solar energy reduces your carbon footprint and environmental impact by replacing electricity generated from fossil fuels with clean, renewable energy. Every kilowatt-hour your solar system produces is one less kilowatt-hour that needs to be generated by burning coal or natural gas. This helps combat climate change, reduces air and water pollution, and protects human health.

Your decision to go solar also positions your organization as a leader in your community. Members of the community notice when a local institution takes bold steps toward sustainability. This kind of leadership can inspire others to consider renewable energy, creating a ripple effect that extends your impact far beyond your own roof.

How the Solar Shepherd Challenge Multiplies Your Impact

Some solar providers offer programs that allow your congregation to participate in your solar journey. The Solar Shepherd Challenge is one example of how a congregation-wide group solar savings program can spread the impact of your decision from one roof to many. By encouraging members to consider solar for their own homes, you create additional savings opportunities while potentially generating funding that supports your primary solar project.

This approach builds community engagement around renewable energy and gives your members a practical way to participate in your sustainability mission. It’s a great way to multiply the benefits of solar while strengthening the connection between your environmental values and everyday action.

What to Expect from Your Solar Installation Partner

Choosing the right solar installer matters. Houses of worship need a partner with years of experience, technical expertise, and a commitment to quality workmanship. Look for providers with NABCEP-certified installers, internal design capabilities, and a track record of successful commercial solar installations.

Ohio’s longest-standing full-service solar installer brings more than 25 years of solar expertise and is backed by 75 years of construction experience. This combination ensures that your solar panel system is designed correctly, installed safely, and supported for the long term. Providers who stand behind their work offer peace of mind that your investment will deliver reliable performance for decades.

Your solar partner should also help you understand all available financing options, including power purchase agreements, direct payment programs, and traditional ownership models. They should walk you through the financial math, showing you exactly how solar will impact your budget over time.

Taking the Next Step Toward Energy Independence

If your house of worship is ready to explore how solar can support your mission, the first step is simple. Schedule a free assessment with an experienced solar provider who understands the unique needs of religious institutions. During this consultation, you’ll discuss your current energy costs, your facility’s characteristics, and your long-term goals.

You’ll receive a clear analysis of what solar could mean for your budget, including projected savings, available incentives, and financing options. There’s no pressure, just honest information that helps you make an informed decision about whether solar fits your situation.

Every year you wait, the utility bill gets higher. Every year you go solar, those dollars stay in your budget, supporting the work that matters most. Turn the reliable, free energy of the sun into savings that fuel your mission for decades to come.

Ready to learn what solar can do for your house of worship? Contact Kokosing Solar to start the conversation and discover why thousands of religious institutions nationwide are making the switch to solar power.

School budgets face constant pressure. Every dollar spent on rising electricity bills is a dollar that can’t go toward teachers, technology, or student programs. For educational institutions across Ohio and beyond, solar panels for schools offer a practical way to redirect energy costs into long-term savings while creating powerful educational opportunities for students.

Schools consume significant amounts of energy to power classrooms, cafeterias, gymnasiums, and administrative buildings. Utility rates continue climbing, making energy costs one of the largest line items in operating budgets. Solar energy systems change that equation by replacing volatile electric costs with predictable, stable savings that compound over decades.

Beyond financial advantages, solar installations give students direct exposure to renewable energy technology, climate change solutions, and the practical applications of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. When schools invest in solar power, they invest in both fiscal responsibility and the next generation of problem solvers.

Why Solar Makes Financial Sense for Educational Institutions

Energy costs represent a substantial portion of operational budgets for schools, colleges, and universities. Traditional electricity bills fluctuate with utility rates, which have historically trended upward. Solar power systems lock in lower energy prices by generating clean energy onsite, reducing dependence on the grid and protecting budgets from future rate increases.

Solar panels produce electricity for 25 to 30 years or more with minimal maintenance. Once installed, they generate power year after year, creating energy savings that accumulate over time. These savings can be redirected toward classroom materials, facility improvements, teacher salaries, or educational programs.

Many schools and tax-exempt organizations have access to specialized financing options that make the transition to solar more accessible. Power purchase agreements allow schools to install solar with no upfront cost. Under this arrangement, a third party owns and maintains the solar equipment, and the school purchases the electricity generated at a lower rate than the local utility charges. This structure removes the barrier of initial investment while delivering immediate savings.

Ohio schools also have access to the School Energy Performance Contracting Loan Fund, a low-interest loan program designed to help K-12 schools invest in solar and energy-saving improvements. This program supports the installation of solar panels along with efficient HVAC systems, lighting upgrades, and other energy conservation measures, creating a comprehensive approach to reducing energy consumption and operational costs.

How Solar Panels Benefit School Budgets Over Time

Solar changes the math completely. Instead of paying rising electricity prices to a utility company every month, schools generate their own power and watch those savings grow year after year. The longer the solar panel system operates, the greater the return on investment.

Here’s how the savings add up:

• Year one: Reduced electricity bills start immediately as the solar array begins producing power.
• Years two through ten: Savings compound as utility rates continue rising while solar production remains consistent.
• Years eleven through twenty-five: The system continues generating free electricity long after any financing is paid off.
• Beyond twenty-five years: Many solar panels continue producing power efficiently for decades, extending savings even further.

Schools that have made the switch report meaningful reductions in energy bills, freeing up funds for student-facing priorities. These savings represent real dollars that stay in the school budget instead of flowing to utility companies.

What Do Solar Installations Look Like for Schools?

Solar energy systems for schools typically involve large solar arrays installed on flat roofs, angled rooftops, or ground-mounted structures in parking lots or unused land. The size of the installation depends on the school’s energy use, available space, and budget goals.

A typical solar project includes the following components:

1. Assessment and design: A solar consultant evaluates the school’s energy consumption, roof angle, shading, and structural capacity to design an optimized system.
2. Financing review: Schools explore options including power purchase agreements, loans, or direct purchase.
3. Installation: Experienced installers mount the solar panel system and connect it to the school’s electrical infrastructure.
4. Activation: The system begins generating clean energy and reducing electricity bills immediately.
5. Monitoring and maintenance: Ongoing performance tracking ensures the system operates efficiently for decades.

Kokosing Solar has helped more than 75 schools, colleges, and universities go solar, bringing 25 years of solar installation experience and the backing of 75 years of construction expertise from Kokosing, Inc. As Ohio’s longest-standing full-service solar installer, we design systems internally and use NABCEP-certified installers to ensure quality and reliability at every step of the process.

How Does Solar Create Educational Opportunities for Students?

Solar installations do double duty. They reduce energy costs and serve as visible, tangible teaching tools that bring renewable energy concepts to life. Students can see the solar panels on their school roof or campus and connect abstract lessons about energy, engineering, and environmental impact to real-world applications.

Teachers across multiple disciplines can incorporate solar power systems into their curriculum:

• Science classes: Study how photovoltaic cells convert sunlight into electricity, explore energy conversion principles, and investigate the environmental benefits of reducing carbon emissions.
• Math classes: Calculate energy production, analyze cost savings over time, and graph energy consumption patterns.
• Technology and engineering: Examine how solar energy systems are designed, installed, and maintained.
• Social studies and civics: Discuss climate change, sustainability policy, and the role of renewable energy sources in creating a sustainable future.

Many schools display real-time solar production data on monitors in hallways or classrooms, allowing students to track how much energy the system generates and how much carbon footprint reduction it achieves. This transparency turns the school building itself into a learning laboratory.

By integrating solar projects into educational programs, schools prepare students to think critically about energy use, fossil fuels, and the transition to clean energy. These lessons equip the next generation with the knowledge and inspiration to pursue careers in the solar industry and related fields.

What Are the Environmental Benefits of Solar Energy for Schools?

Switching to solar power reduces a school’s reliance on electricity generated from fossil fuels, which lowers carbon emissions and contributes to a cleaner, healthier environment. Educational institutions that prioritize sustainability send a powerful message to students, staff, and the broader community about environmental responsibility.

Solar schools demonstrate leadership in addressing climate change. By producing renewable energy onsite, they reduce their environmental impact while modeling the kind of forward-thinking decision-making that students will need as future generations inherit the challenges of energy and climate.

The environmental benefits extend beyond carbon footprint reduction. Solar installations produce no air or water pollution during operation, and excess energy generated during sunny periods can often be fed back into the grid, supporting the broader transition to renewable energy sources. Some schools pair solar panels with battery storage, allowing them to store clean energy for use during peak demand times or power outages.

How Can Schools Get Started with Solar?

The process begins with a conversation. School administrators, facilities managers, and district leaders can reach out to a solar consultant to discuss their specific situation, energy bills, and goals. A professional assessment reviews energy consumption, available roof or land space, and financing options to determine the best approach.

Kokosing Solar works with schools to design customized solar solutions that fit their unique needs. We answer questions about how solar replaces volatile rising electric costs with predictable savings, how power purchase agreements work, and how solar benefits extend beyond operating costs to improve student and staff recruitment and enhance community relations.

Schools interested in exploring solar can start by reviewing recent utility bills, identifying available installation space, and considering their long-term budget priorities. The consultation process is designed to be educational and transparent, helping decision-makers understand the financial advantages, environmental benefits, and practical considerations involved in going solar.

Why Do Schools Choose Kokosing Solar?

Experience and reliability matter when investing in a solar panel installation that will serve a school for decades. Kokosing Solar brings more than 25 years of solar expertise and the strength of 75 years of construction experience from Kokosing, Inc., one of the largest family-owned construction companies in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic.

We stand behind our work with a commitment to quality, safety, and long-term service. Our team includes NABCEP-certified installers, and we handle every aspect of the project internally, from design through installation and ongoing maintenance. Schools trust us because we combine technical expertise with a customer-focused approach that prioritizes their specific needs and goals.

Take the Next Step Toward Energy Savings and Student Learning

Solar energy offers educational institutions a powerful combination of financial value and hands-on learning. Schools that invest in solar panels secure a brighter future by reducing energy costs, protecting budgets from rising utility rates, and giving students direct exposure to renewable energy technology.

Ready to explore what solar can do for your school? Contact Kokosing Solar to schedule a free assessment and find out firsthand why schools, school districts, universities, and educational institutions across Ohio and nationwide are making the switch to solar.

 

Discover how solar batteries reduce utility dependence, improve energy security, lower electricity costs, and help homeowners maximize solar power savings. 

Electricity rates continue to fluctuate, and power outages have become common in many regions. Homeowners are increasingly looking for ways to gain more control over their energy usage and costs. 

What Readers Will Learn 

• Which solar batteries Kokosing Solar recommends  

• Why they reduce reliance on utility companies 

• Financial and practical benefits of energy storage 

• Whether a solar battery is worth the investment 

Types of Solar Batteries: 

• Tesla Powerwall 

• Franklin  

• Enphase  

Tesla Powerwall  

The Tesla Powerwall is one of the most widely recognized home battery systems. Designed with a sleek, compact profile, it combines energy storage and intelligent energy management in a single solution. 

• A main Powerwall 3 “leader” unit integrates a 13.5 kWh lithium-ion battery with an 11.5 kW AC inverter,  reducing costs for solar + storage when installing a solar at the time of battery installation 

• High energy capacity suitable for powering household loads 

• Strong integration with Tesla’s energy ecosystem 

• Automatic backup power during grid outages 

• User-friendly mobile app for monitoring energy production and consumption 

• Ideal for homeowners seeking a well-established and widely adopted battery solution 

FranklinWH Battery System 

FranklinWH differentiates itself through whole-home backup capabilities and advanced energy management. The system is designed to optimize how and when energy is used, stored, and drawn from the grid. 

Key Benefits: 

• Excellent whole-home backup potential 

• Flexible integration with various solar inverter systems 

• Advanced load management during outages 

• Ability to support larger energy demands and high-consumption households 

• Smart energy controls that maximize self-consumption of solar power 

Enphase IQ Battery 

The Enphase IQ Battery is known for its modular design and strong reliability. Built around Enphase’s microinverter technology, it offers flexibility for homeowners who want to expand storage over time. 

Key Benefits: 

• Highly scalable system that can grow as energy needs increase 

• Excellent integration with Enphase solar systems 

• Reliable performance through distributed architecture 

• Easy monitoring through the Enphase App 

• Ideal for homeowners seeking a customizable and expandable energy storage solution 

Why homeowners are reducing utility dependence  

• Rising Electricity Costs  

• Grid reliability Concerns  

More and more, our team works with homeowners who are looking for ways to reduce their dependence on utility companies. What we hear from them is that between electricity costs continuing to rise and concerns about grid reliability grow, they are looking for a solution.  

Through Solar Battery Storage, increased energy independence provides both financial savings and peace of mind in an increasingly unpredictable energy landscape. 

How Solar Batteries Reduce Utility Dependence  

1. Store excess solar energy for later use  
2. Increase self-consumption of solar energy 
3. Provide power during outages  
4. Reduce peak Hour grid use  

Store Excess Solar Energy for Later Use – One of the biggest advantages of a solar battery is its ability to store excess electricity generated by your solar panels during the day. This allows homeowners to rely more on the energy they generate themselves rather than purchasing electricity from their utility provider. 

Increase Self-Consumption of Solar Energy – Solar batteries help homeowners maximize the value of their solar investment by increasing self-consumption, which is the amount of solar energy used directly within the home. Instead of exporting excess production to the grid and drawing electricity back when needed, homeowners can store and utilize their own solar energy. This reduces dependence on utility-supplied electricity and can be especially beneficial in areas where net metering isn’t offered or compensation for exported energy is low. 

Provide Power During Outages – A solar battery can provide backup power when the electrical grid goes down, helping homeowners maintain access to electricity during outages. Often our solar storage clients tell us stories of their neighbors coming over to charge appliances when the grid is down.  

Reduce Peak-Hour Grid Use – In Ohio, some utilities allow ratepayers to opt-into Time of Use programs. In these programs, utility companies charge higher rates during periods of peak electricity demand, typically in the late afternoon and evening. Solar batteries allow homeowners to store energy when production is high and use it during more expensive peak-rate periods instead of purchasing electricity from the grid. 

Key Benefits of Solar Batteries for Homeowners 

1. Lower monthly bills  
2. Increased energy independence  
3. Enhance energy security  
4. Improved solar ROI  

How effective are solar batteries at reducing utility dependence? 

Some homeowners may only offset a portion of their grid usage, while others can meet most of their daily energy needs with a properly designed solar-plus-storage system. The effectiveness of a solar battery depends on several key factors, including battery capacity, household energy consumption, solar production, location, and weather patterns. 

Factors to pay attention to:  

• Battery capacity 
• Home energy consumption 
• Solar panel system size 
• Geographic location 

Battery Capacity  

Capacity, typically measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), represents the amount of energy a battery can store and deliver when needed. Larger-capacity batteries can store more excess solar energy during the day and power the home for longer periods after sunset or during outages. 

For example, a homeowner with a larger battery system may be able to run essential appliances, lighting, and electronics throughout the evening without drawing power from the grid. In contrast, a smaller battery may only provide enough storage to cover a few hours of energy use before utility power is needed. 

Home Energy Consumption 

The amount of electricity a household uses each day has a direct impact on how effective a solar battery will be. Homes with high energy demands often require larger battery systems to achieve meaningful reductions in utility usage. Factors such as the number of occupants, appliance usage, electric vehicles, and heating or cooling needs can all increase energy consumption. 

Homeowners who actively manage their energy use by upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, adjusting thermostat settings, and reducing unnecessary consumption can often achieve greater energy independence without needing oversized battery systems. 

Solar Panel System Size 

When the grid is down, a battery can only store the excess energy produced by a solar panel system. As a result, the size of the solar array plays a major role in determining how much energy is available for storage, and for how long. A larger solar system will generally generate more electricity during daylight hours, increasing the likelihood that enough excess power will be available to charge the battery fully. 

Geographic Location 

Where a home is located can greatly influence solar production and battery performance. Regions that receive less sunlight (think winter in Ohio) will impact how the batteries charge during the wintertime.  

Local utility rates, net metering policies, and outage frequency can also affect how valuable battery storage is.  

Going completely off grid 

• What off-grid living entails 

• Additional equipment requirements 

• Practical considerations for most homeowners 

In Ohio, most homeowners use batteries to reduce grid reliance rather than completely eliminate it. 

Going off-grid involves much more than simply installing solar panels and a battery. An off-grid solar system operates independently of the utility grid, meaning your home must generate, store, and manage all of the electricity it will need throughout the year, including during periods of low solar production. 

To make off-grid living possible, homeowners typically need additional equipment beyond solar panels and batteries. Most off-grid systems require a larger battery bank to store energy for overnight use and extended periods of cloudy weather, as well as a backup generator to provide power when solar production is insufficient. 

While off-grid systems can be a practical solution for remote properties without access to utility service, they are often less practical for homeowners in Ohio who already have access to the electrical grid.  

Key Takeaways 

Is a Solar Battery Worth It? 

When a Solar Battery Makes Sense 

• Frequent outages 

• High electricity rates 

• Time-of-use billing 

• Desire for energy independence 

When It May Not Be Necessary 

• Strong net metering programs 

• Low utility rates 

• Minimal outage concerns 

Interested in reducing your reliance on the grid? Speak with a solar storage specialist to determine the right battery solution for your home’s energy needs. 

If you’re considering solar panels, one of the first questions you’ll need to answer is: How much electricity does your home use in a year? 

Your home’s energy consumption, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), directly impacts your monthly utility bill, and also the size of the solar system needed to offset your electricity costs. While the average U.S. home uses around 10,000 to 11,000 kWh annually, every Ohio home is different.  

In this guide, we’ll explain what kWh means, how much electricity homes use, what factors affect energy consumption, and how to determine the ideal solar system size for your families specific needs. 

Why Knowing Your kWh Usage Matters for Solar 

The most successful solar projects start with a clear understanding of energy consumption. 

When you know your annual kWh usage, you can: 

• Accurately size your solar system 

• Maximize your solar investment 

• Estimate long-term savings 

• “Right-size” your system  

• Prepare for future energy needs like EV charging 

Rather than guessing based on home size alone, reviewing your actual utility usage provides the most accurate picture of your solar potential. 

If you’re new to your home, we can estimate the size of the system you need, but it will be a ballpark. Our guidance for new homeowners is to give it a year to collect the homes annual energy use. That way when you go solar you get the system that’s “Right-Sized” for the home and the way you live in it.  

What is a Kilowatt hour (kWh)?  

A kilowatt-hour (kWh) is a measurement of energy consumption. A device using 1,000 watts (1 kilowatt) of power for one hour consumes 1 kWh of electricity. 

Approximate Usage for Common Household Appliances  

• Refrigerator – 1-2 kWh/day 

• Central AC – 3-5 kWh/hour 

• Electric Dryer – 3-5 kWh/load 

• Dishwasher – 1-2 kWh/cycle 

• Electric Vehicle Charger – 7-11 kWh/hour 

kW vs. kWh 

Many homeowners confuse these terms. 

• kW (Kilowatt) = Power being used at a specific moment 

• kWh (Kilowatt-hour) = Total energy consumed over time 

Your electric bill measures kWh, not kW. 

National Average 

The average American household uses approximately: 

• 900 kWh per month 

• 30 kWh per day 

• 10,800 kWh per year 

However, averages are well, just averages! Every home is different.  

Average Monthly Usage by Home Size 

Small Homes (1,000-1,500 Sq Ft) 

• 600-900 kWh/month 

Medium Homes (1,500-2,500 Sq Ft) 

• 900-1,300 kWh/month 

Large Homes (2,500+ Sq Ft) 

• 1,300-2,000+ kWh/month 

Energy-efficient homes may use substantially less, while homes with electric heating, electric vehicles, pools, or hot tubs often use more. 

Seasons Effect Home Electricity Use in Ohio

Spring 

• 600-900 kWh/month 

Summer 

• 1,000-1,800 kWh/month 

• Increased air conditioning use 

Fall 

• 700-1,000 kWh/month 

Winter 

• 900-1,600+ kWh/month 

• Especially high for homes with electric heat 

  

Because Ohio experiences hot summers and cold winters, annual energy consumption is often more important than any individual month’s usage when sizing a solar system.  

This is another reason why every solar energy system is different. Your annual and monthly usage will vary widely based on whether you use electricity or gas to heat your home in the wintertime.  

Biggest Electricity Users in a Home  

Understanding where your energy goes can help reduce consumption before installing solar. 

Heating and Cooling 

HVAC systems account for the largest portion of residential energy use. 

• Central air conditioning 

• Heat pumps 

• Electric furnaces 

• Space heaters 

Water Heaters  

Water heaters operate every day and can represent a significant portion of your monthly electricity usage. 

Major Appliances 

High-energy appliances include: 

• Dryers 

• Ovens 

• Refrigerators 

• Freezers 

• Dishwashers 

Electric Vehicles 

A typical EV can add 250-500 kWh per month. This is one of the fastest-growing contributors to household electricity consumption. 

Factors That Affect Home Energy Consumption

Home Size – Larger homes generally require more energy for heating, cooling, and lighting. 

Number of Occupants  

Additional residents increase: 

• Laundry 

• Cooking 

• Electronics usage 

• Hot water demand 

Insulation Quality 

Proper insulation can dramatically reduce: 

• Summer cooling loads 

• Winter heating costs 

Appliance Efficiency – Older appliances consume significantly more electricity than ENERGY STAR-certified models. 

Lifestyle – Remote workers, gamers, EV owners, and households with home businesses often consume more electricity than the average homeowner. 

How to Calculate Your Home’s Annual kWh Usage  

Your electric bill provides the answer. Usually, electric bill shave an annual usage graph which allows you to add up your monthly totals.  

This annual total will help your solar consultant determine how many solar panels you need to offset your annual energy usage.  

Keep in mind: other factors such as home orientation, roof pitch and shade are other factors that come into play when your Solar Consultant determines the right size of solar array to meet your electricity needs.  

 Ways to Reduce Electricity Usage Before Going Solar 

Reducing consumption can lead to a smaller and less expensive solar system. 

• Upgrade to LED Lighting  

• Install a Smart Thermostat 

• Upgrade Older Appliances (look for energy star appliances!)  

• Improve Insulation   

• Use smart power strips and unplug rarely used electronics. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

How many kWh does a house use per day? 

Most U.S. homes use approximately 30 kWh per day, although actual usage varies significantly depending on home size, appliances, and lifestyle. 

How many kWh does a house use per year? 

Most homes consume between 10,000 and 12,000 kWh annually. 

What is considered high electricity usage? 

Generally, usage exceeding 1,500 kWh per month may indicate high consumption, especially if the home does not use electric heating or own an electric vehicle. 

How can I find my annual electricity use? 

Add the kWh totals from your last 12  months are usually on your last bill in the form of an annual usage graph.  

How many solar panels are needed for a 2,000-square-foot house? 

The answer depends on energy usage rather than square footage alone, but many Ohio homes of this size require a solar system between 8 and 12 kW.