20 Laps Around Earth

Tesla Model 3 driving around Earth by ChatGPT

Since 2007, our home has been powered by solar energy, starting with a modest 4 kW photovoltaic (PV) system. In 2011, we expanded our system by adding 8.3 kW of additional panels, bringing the total capacity to 12.3 kW. This system has been quietly generating clean energy for nearly two decades. Recently, we celebrated two significant milestones that highlight our impact.

We previously showed, on November 8th, 2024, our home solar system had generated enough energy to drive to the moon and back. We also shared one sunny day near the summer solstice, a glimpse of our system’s performance, and now we’re thrilled to dive into two new achievements, tying them to a 2018 Tesla Model 3 Dual Motor Long Range analogy.

On June 13, 2025, our solar panels reached a remarkable milestone: producing 144,405 kWh of energy since installation. This number is special because it represents enough energy to power a 2018 Tesla Model 3 to drive around Earth’s equator 20 times. The Earth’s equatorial circumference is approximately 24,901 miles, so 20 laps total 498,020 miles. Using an efficiency of 29 kWh per 100 miles, we calculate the energy required as follows: 498,020 miles ÷ 3.448 miles/kWh ≈ 144,405 kWh. For simplicity, this assumes 100% charging efficiency. Nearly half a million miles driven on clean solar energy from our roof is a testament to the power of just one residential solar roof.

2018 Tesla Model 3 LR: 

• 120 MPGe in the city
• 112 MPGe on the highway
• This translates to an estimated electricity consumption of 29 kWh per 100 miles

Just nine days later, on June 22, 2025, our PV system crossed another milestone, producing its 145,012th kWh. This amount pushed us past the equivalent of 500,000 miles driven by the same Tesla Model 3. The calculation is straightforward: 500,000 miles ÷ 3.448 miles/kWh ≈ 145,012 kWh. Reaching this half-million-mile mark feels like breaking the tape at a finish line, a symbolic victory for sustainable energy. 

Our small rooftop system, tucked away in a residential neighborhood, has been working tirelessly every day to generate clean power, contributing to a greener future. These milestones highlight the incredible potential of solar energy. From a 4 kW start to a 12.3 kW powerhouse, our system has offset significant carbon emissions, equivalent to driving a high-efficiency electric vehicle across vast solar system distances. The fact that one home’s solar array can produce enough energy to power a car for half a million miles underscores the scalability of renewable energy. It’s not just about numbers; it’s about the quiet, consistent work of a single rooftop reducing reliance on fossil fuels. I hope this inspires you to start or continue your own solar journey. One little roof, one sunny day at a time, can make a world of difference.