[KaiserPro]

assuming that you insulate well, then your electricity needs should be pretty small.

In the UK we have a 5kw array, and a 13kwhr battery. this year we have been 93% self sufficient.

we have triple glazing and 90mm of external wall insolation (but its not passivehaus) to cover our heating as well, we'd need to do a proper insulation survey. I am reasonably confident that if we insulate the floor and loft properly(and figure out air exchanger) we could cover our heating and hotwater as well, (assuming solar water heater)

In the US, depending on where you are, you have aircon/heating as the main energy draw, but with the option to have a boatload more solar. However insulation/glazing standards are patchy, so with good insulation a 20kw array, plus 30kwhr battery would cover you for most things and a car as well.

[dahfizz]

The UK has a much more moderate climate than most of the US. Compare London avg temps[1] with Boston[2] or Dallas[3].

The UK temperature averages are pretty close to LA, which is well known for being so moderate.

[1] https://www.timeanddate.com/weather/uk/london/climate

[2] https://www.timeanddate.com/weather/usa/boston/climate.

[3] https://www.timeanddate.com/weather/usa/dallas/climate

[KaiserPro]

but thats the point right? aircon in dallas is the biggest energy sink in summer.

combined with the shorter days (compared to the UK) that means that insulation, solar gain control & thermal mass management is critical to reducing power usage.

Boston has double trouble, as in hot(ish) summers, high humidity, and cold-arsed winters.