How to Power a Whole House on Solar — No Grid, No Compromise
Going solar isn't just about lowering your electric bill — it's about total freedom. And yes, you can power your entire house with solar alone. Here’s how to design a system that makes it happen.
📋 Step 1: Calculate Your Daily Load
Make a list of every appliance, light, fan, and device in your home. Use this formula:
Daily Load (Wh) = Power (W) × Hours Used Per Day
Example: 4 fans × 70W × 10h = 2800Wh
Use a tool like our Load Calculator to speed it up.
🔋 Step 2: Decide on Backup Duration
This determines battery bank size. How many hours/days do you want to survive without sun?
- Basic = 12 hours
- Stable = 24 hours
- Full backup = 2–3 days
☀️ Step 3: Calculate Panel Requirements
Panel Watts Needed = Daily Load ÷ Sunlight Hours
Example: 8000Wh ÷ 5h = 1600W → Use ~2000W (2kW) for buffer
⚡ Step 4: Choose an Inverter That Handles Your Peak Load
Add up the wattage of devices that run at the same time. Multiply by 1.25 to account for surge.
Use a Inverter Sizing Tool for accurate VA recommendations.
🧰 System Example: Full 3BHK House Setup
- Solar Panels: 3kW array (10 × 300W panels)
- Batteries: 48V bank @ 200Ah (10 kWh usable)
- Inverter: 5kVA pure sine wave
- Controller: 60A MPPT
- Wiring + Breakers + Installation: $600
📦 Estimated Cost (2025)
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Panels (3kW) | $1,800 |
| Lithium Batteries (10kWh) | $3,800 |
| Inverter (5kVA) | $600 |
| Controller + Setup | $500 |
| Total | $6,700 |
✅ Can It Power Everything?
- ✔ Lights, fans, Wi-Fi, laptops, TV, fridge
- ✔ Washing machine (timed)
- ✔ Pumps (with surge-compatible inverter)
- ❌ Avoid large AC units unless you have a hybrid system
🔗 Related Tools
🏠 Final Thoughts
Powering a full house on solar isn’t just a dream — it’s a reality for thousands of homeowners. With smart planning, the right sizing, and efficient appliances, you can achieve total grid independence and enjoy energy freedom for 20+ years.