Solar sizing guides
Short, plain-English explanations of the numbers behind a solar system: how big the panels, inverter and battery need to be, how net metering credits work, and when the system pays for itself.
What can a 5 kW solar system run?
Units a day in 14 cities, how many ACs it runs, a typical home's day, night use with a battery, and a checker for your own appliances.
What can a 5kVA inverter carry?
How many watts a 5kVA inverter gives, an appliance load list, how many ACs it runs, battery backup time and panels, with a load calculator.
How many solar panels do you need for a 1.5 ton inverter AC?
Panels and plates for a 1.5 ton AC in 14 cities, the inverter and battery it needs, load-shedding, and whether it pays in Pakistan and India.
How net metering and net billing work
Net metering vs net billing, what an exported unit is worth in six markets including Pakistan after the 2026 change, and how to size around it.
Solar panel payback period: how long it takes
How many years solar takes to pay back in the US, UK, Pakistan and India, with the formula, panel ageing, rising prices and discounted payback.
Solar inverter types compared: string, hybrid, off-grid & micro
String, hybrid, off-grid and microinverters compared on outages, batteries, efficiency and warranty, and which suits load-shedding.
Ready to size your own system?
Add your appliances or enter your bill and get panels, inverter, battery, cost and payback in one place.
Open the calculator →Want a number for one appliance? See our appliance guides: how many solar panels it takes to run a fridge, air conditioner, heat pump, well pump, pool pump, electric car and more.
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