Electricity bills have skyrocketed all over the world, right? These rising costs have pushed many homeowners to switch to solar panels to meet their energy needs. However, the cost of solar panels varies depending on the size of the house. So, how much does a solar system cost for a 2,000 sq ft house?
Estimating solar costs based only on square footage is the wrong approach. The reason is that every home has different needs. A 3,000-square-foot house with fewer residents will require less energy than a 1,500-square-foot home with more residents. In this article, I’ll give you a comprehensive cost estimate for a 2,000 sq. ft house.
What Does a “Solar System for a House” Mean?
Let’s first discuss what the term “solar system” means in this article.
This system refers to the solar panels and the electricity they generate. Solar systems for homes use panels and inverters. The solar panels capture the solar energy directly from the sunlight. The inverter then converts the solar energy (DC) into AC and makes it usable for home appliances.
Every solar panel has its own power output. For example, a 585 W solar panel can deliver around 400–450 W in real-world conditions when the sun is shining brightly. If you use eight similar panels, you’ll get a combined 4,000 watts of energy for your home. Similarly, you can increase energy production by adding more solar panels.
The main components of a home solar system include:
- Solar panels
- Inverters and Wires
- Batteries for energy storage
- Frame and structure for holding solar panels
Different houses can install different solar systems according to their needs. The solar system a home needs primarily depends on its energy consumption. A 6kW solar system will be enough for homes that need 700–800 kWh per month. You should choose the system (number of panels) by analyzing your home’s electricity requirements.
Understand a 2,000 Sq Ft House and its Energy Demand
Houses of 2,000 sq ft are considered medium-sized for a family of 5 to 6 members. Given its size, this 2,000 sq ft house might sound too big. However, a typical 2,000 sq ft house usually has 3–4 bedrooms, 2–3 bathrooms, a kitchen, and living areas. Simply put, a home of this size can easily accommodate a medium family. You’ll also get 2 to 3 bathrooms, a kitchen, and a living room.
However, we cannot estimate a house’s energy consumption solely by its square footage. The reason is that the amount of energy a home consumes depends on who lives in it. If a home has two adults, its energy consumption will be very low, even if it is too large. On the other hand, if a home has 5-7 members, its energy use will be much higher.
On average, here is an estimate of the energy usage of a 2,000 sq ft house:
| Home Area / Appliance | Estimated Monthly kWh |
| HVAC (Heating & Cooling) | 450 kWh |
| Kitchen Appliances | 200 kWh |
| Water Heating | 120 kWh |
| Lighting | 50 kWh |
| Electronics & Entertainment | 80 kWh |
| Laundry Machines | 50 kWh |
| Total | Around 1,000 kWh |
The table above shows the estimates for homes with 5 to 6 people. You should know that energy consumption varies from home to home, depending on how you use your appliances. Additionally, leaving the lights on 24 hours a day would undoubtedly increase energy consumption. Similarly, the efficient use of home appliances can significantly reduce energy use. However, you should keep in mind that 1,000 kWh per month is a good benchmark.
How Much Is a Solar System for a 2,000 Sq Ft House?
As I said earlier, a typical 2,000-square-foot home requires 1,000 kWh per month. Some houses may use slightly more or less energy depending on residents’ lifestyles. For this energy requirement, I recommend an 8kW solar system. This system will provide enough energy to run all the appliances throughout the day.
Some homeowners may consider a 6kW system, especially if their family is relatively small. You should expect around 800 kWh of energy per month from this 6kW solar system. This system can be suitable for houses with 2 to 3 residents. However, 8kW is the most common system, as it better meets the home’s energy needs. So, what is the overall cost of this system for a 2,000 sq ft house?
A solar system for a 2,000 sq ft house typically costs $16,000–$25,000. The solar system price can vary depending on your location and local labor costs. Our estimated cost of $16,000 to $25,000 includes all fees, including panels and inverters. This is roughly $2.50–$3.50 per watt, or $8–$12.50 per sq ft, for your home.
Remember, the solar system’s price can change regularly. So, you should expect slight fluctuation from our suggested costs. Here is a breakdown of the cost of a solar system:
| Cost Component | Estimated Cost Range |
| Solar Panels | $8,000 – $12,000 |
| Inverter(s) | $1,500 – $3,000 |
| Mounting Hardware / Frames | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Labor & Installation | $4,000 – $6,000 |
| Permits & Inspection Fees | $500 – $1,000 |
| Wiring | $500 – $1,000 |
Battery Storage (for Nighttime/Off-Grid Use)
Solar panels only generate power when the sun is out. When the sun goes down, the solar system cannot generate energy further. It means you won’t have solar-based electricity at night. Therefore, people use separate energy storage systems consisting of large lithium batteries. In the daytime, solar systems keep charging these batteries while powering the home.
When the sun goes down, these batteries start delivering the energy they’ve stored to the homes. In this way, you get electricity both during the day and at night. However, the cost of these batteries is not included in the overall system cost mentioned above. The cost of these batteries with 10kWh energy storage can cost around $9,000.
Different Solar System Costs as perthe Number of Occupants
As I said earlier, the cost of solar systems fluctuates depending on specific energy consumption. A 2,000 sq ft home can have different energy requirements depending on the number of residents. For example, a house with two people will need less electricity. So a small solar system will be enough and less costly.
On the other hand, the same house with a larger family will need more electricity. So, you’ll have to install a full-sized solar system, which is more costly. Here is the breakdown of the solar system cost based on the number of residents in a 2,000 sq ft. house.
| House Type / Occupants | Solar System Size | Estimated Total Cost |
| Small (2 people) | 4–5 kW | $10,000 |
| Medium (4–6 people) | 6–8 kW | $20,000 |
| Large (10 people) | 8–10 kW | $26,000 |
Each of the solar systems listed above may not be ideal for everyone. However, you’ll be able to run essential appliances such as air conditioning, lights, and heating. 4kW solar is only suitable for smaller families, while 6-8kW systems are ideal for medium-sized families. The larger the solar system, the more appliances will run, and vice versa.
For example, 4 kW may not run 2 ACs, but it can run a single AC with ease, making it perfect for a home with two residents. With an 8 kW system, you can efficiently run two air conditioners in two rooms, which is perfect for a medium-sized family. However, I recommend choosing an 8kW solar system, as it can still meet energy requirements even on cloudy or overcast days.
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost for a 2,000 Square Foot House?
The above section discusses the total cost of a solar system for a house. Those costs include installation fees, solar panel costs, frames, wiring, an inverter, and more.
The cost of a high-quality 450W solar panel is around $210-$250. You might also see panels in the $150 range; however, they are from low-quality brands. The efficiency of these cheaper solar panels is also compromised. For an 8kW solar system, the solar panels will cost around $4,000 to $4,500.
This cost is only for the solar panels and does not include installation fees. For an 8kW solar system, you’ll need 20 450W solar panels. These panels can produce roughly 1,000–1,400 kWh per month (or 30–45 kWh per day on average). The cost of solar panels varies by brand, location, and applicable taxes. You must check updated solar panel prices before estimating the cost of the solar system.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much electricity does a 2,000 sq. ft. house use?
On average, a 2,000 sq. ft. house requires 1,000 kWh per month. This energy demand can vary depending on how many people live in that house.
What system size does a 2,000 sq. ft. house usually need?
A 2,000 sq ft home typically needs a 7–9 kW solar system in both winter and summer. This system will power the 3 to 4 bedrooms, the living room, and the two bathrooms.
Conclusion
Installing a solar system is no longer just an option—it’s becoming a necessity for many homeowners. It helps avoid high electricity bills and power outages. However, no single solar system can meet the needs of different homes. You will be able to scale the system from 4kW to 20kW for homes. However, I recommend choosing an 8kW solar system if you have a 2,000 sq. ft. house. This system will provide around 1000 kWh, ensuring the smooth operation of all home appliances.