With constant improvements in production, solar systems have become more and more affordable, complemented by increasing solar capacities. While the barrier for entry on larger systems in Australia may be lower than ever, is it actually worth installing a 13.2kW or even a 20kW solar system? Here is everything you need to know before investing in a 13.2kW solar system:
Panels
The size of your solar system is influenced by how many panels you can safely and effectively install onto your roof. Larger capacity systems generally require more panels or panels with higher wattage. For a 13.2kW solar system, approximately 30-36 370w panels will be required. This can also be affected by the orientation and tilt of the panels, local climate, and the potential presence of obstructions.
Output
According to guidelines provided by the Clean Energy Council (CEC), a 13.2kW system facing North in Sydney will average an output of 51kWh per day. You can generally get a higher output in summer compared to winter.
However, this figure is not a guaranteed constant power output as higher-efficiency panels can provide more useable energy. On the flipside, low-quality panels or subpar installation may reduce power output.
Contact the experienced team at Solar System to determine the suitability of your home or to get a tailored power estimate.
Price
The price of a 13.2kW solar system can vary depending on the installation location, the tier of solar products, extras, and any potential rebates/tariffs. A complete solar system can range in price from $5000 to $10,000, depending on the quality of the components themselves and any potential aftercare. The total price can be increased with the addition of extra components such as monitoring systems or solar batteries.
Savings
The amount of money you can save with your new solar system depends not only on how much sunlight your panels can collect but on how you use the resulting power. A lot of power will need to be used throughout the day in order to get the most out of a large-capacity system. This can be especially true during the summer months.
Ensuring your panels are oriented in the optimal direction can maximise your electricity usage and savings.
As a rough estimate, you may be able to save between $800 and $1300 per quarter. This can vary significantly depending on how much power you’re actually using, the costs of purchased electricity, and any credits applied through feed-in tariffs or virtual power plants.
Payback Period
The payback period for a solar panel refers to how long it takes for solar savings to balance the cost of the system. Taking into account the efficiency of power use, initial cost, and annual savings on your electricity bill, the payback period can average between 3 to 6 years.
For more information on 13.2kW solar systems or large 20kW solar systems, reach out to the highly-qualified team at Solar System.
Book your free solar assessment today!