Which Solar Power System Should You Choose?

Choosing which solar power system suits your home or business can be overwhelming. Since it’s a substantial investment, you’ll want everything to turn out as great and seamless as possible. Fortunately, getting premium quality solar panels is part of the package when you choose a trustworthy solar installer. So now that leaves you with the question of what solar system size is best for your energy needs and budget. 

We round up solar panel system sizes currently available in the market from manufacturers like Trina Solar and Jinko, and find out how one differs from the other to help you decide. 

Residential solar systems

The size of the solar panels you install residential applications matters because that will determine the exact number of panels that can fit on your roof space. The number of panels installed at your property also dictates how much energy your solar system can generate. 

So, by working out your energy requirements and your available roof space, you can identify which solar system size is right for your household. We explore popular options in Australia below: 

5kW Solar Power System

For small households, a 5kW system might be the perfect option. This particular setup provides just the right amount of energy to meet your consumption needs. It also has a lower initial expense compared to higher systems, making it affordable for budget-conscious consumers.

With sufficient energy output and lower upfront costs, you’ll enjoy a quicker return on investment. 

Energy production: Around 20-22kWh per day

Number of solar panels: Approximately 15-20

Roof space: Roughly 25-35 square meters

6.6kW Solar Power System

Often paired with a 5kW inverter, the mid-sized 6.6kW solar system is a popular choice among average households. With higher energy output, battery backup storage is also viable. Most 6.6kW systems are pre-approved all around Australia, making the initial procedures simpler and helping you get solar faster. But is it the right solar system size for your home?

By checking some basic details below you can find out whether the 6.6kW solar panel system is the best option for you or you need to keep looking. 

Energy production: Around 24-30kWh per day

Number of solar panels: Approximately 16-22

Roof space: Roughly 35-45 square meters

10kW Solar Power System

If your household consumes about 40kWh each day, then the 10kW solar panel system is right for you. It’s the ideal size for large families and even businesses with a small office.

With greater energy yields for your home, the 10kW system can accommodate your growing energy needs, such as when expanding your home, adding appliances and devices like solar powered security cameras, as well as getting electric cars, which will need regular charging.

Energy production: Around 40-44kWh per day

Number of solar panels: Approximately 25-30

Roof space: Roughly 50-65 square meters

13kW Solar Power System

The 13kW system entails higher upfront costs, but it makes sense if your household has substantial energy usage. Over time, lower energy bills can offset your initial expenses. Small to medium-sized businesses will find the 13kW system reliable and sufficient to power their day-to-day operations.

As long as you estimate your daily consumption to be around 50kWh, the 13kW solar system size is your best bet, serving as the perfect middle ground between smaller and larger sizes. 

Energy production: Around 50-60kWh per day

Number of solar panels: Approximately 32-40

Roof space: Roughly 66-80 square meters

20kW Solar Power System

Most medium-sized businesses find the 20kW solar power system the ideal size to power their offices. With its prolific energy production (around 88kWh per day!) and its use of the 3-phase inverter, not only does it meet the demands of a really big household or a midsize business, it also offers the incredible potential for surplus energy to be sold back to the grid.

Since larger solar systems offer higher energy savings and increased earnings from feed-in tariffs, 20kW users can quickly pay for the system cost and generate profit in just a few years. 

Energy production: Around 80-88kWh per day

Number of solar panels: Approximately 55-60

Roof space: Roughly 100-136 square meters

Commercial solar systems

With solar power now accessible more than ever, it is expected for businesses to enact their sense of social responsibility by reducing their carbon footprint. The best solar system for commercial use still depends on your office or facility’s energy consumption.

If you’re running a small to midsize business, a 13kW or a 20kW may still suffice. If it’s a larger operation you’re looking after, you’ll need to be proactive by picking larger systems appropriate for your business’ needs from manufacturers like Canadian Solar. 

30kW solar power system: Ideal for most commercial operations and just the right size if your energy needs don’t exceed around 150kWh per day.

50kW solar power system: Suitable for large warehouses and offices and can produce 200kWh or higher per day. 

100kW solar power system: Solar power on a grand scale; appropriate for wide-ranging commercial or industrial applications with an energy production of around 400kWh or higher per day. 

Making a Decision

Making an informed decision is crucial, especially with substantial investments like that of a solar power system. However, basic considerations like roof space, energy usage, and budget can help you simplify the decision-making process. There’s also the process of Electrical Safety Compliance and Testing, which every home thinking of going solar must undergo. 

Every home’s uniqueness is another important factor that affects a solar power system’s suitability. For instance, a 10kW solar system can be a solid option for many homes, but tailoring the system to meet your particular requirements also ensures performance, efficiency, and durability of your solar panels. 

As with any essential services, professional assessment is key to receiving the best possible outcome — give us a call at 1300 865 832 and we’ll be glad to answer all your questions and address your concerns about solar power installation at your property.