Sizing
How much roof space do I need for solar panels in South Africa?
Plan about 2.2–2.6 m² per modern 450–550 W panel. A common 5–8 kW residential array (10–16 panels) typically needs roughly 25–45 m² of unshaded, preferably north-facing roof. Tight roofs can use higher-wattage modules or east/west splits — expect a yield trade-off.
What eats roof area
- Chimneys, vents, skylights and shade from trees or neighbouring buildings
- Walkways and edge setbacks required by the installer
- Future expansion (EV, heat pump) — leave MPPT headroom if possible
If the roof is too small
Higher-efficiency modules, ground mounts, carports, or prioritising battery + critical-load backup over full bill offset. A site survey beats satellite guesses.
Related answers
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