How Much Will a 100kW Solar System Save?
Installing a 100kW solar system can lead to significant cost savings over time. On average, a 100kW solar system can save up to $31,025 per year. Over the 25-year lifetime of the solar panels, this equates to a total savings of $775,625.
Rising Cost of Electricity
The cost of electricity has seen a staggering increase of 270% over the past 40 years. This rise in electricity costs is depicted in the chart below:
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
The continuous upward trend in electricity costs makes investing in solar energy an attractive option for homeowners and businesses alike.
See also: Solar Panel Systems: The Ultimate Guide to Going Green in 2023
Electricity Saving
One of the key benefits of a solar system is the ability to generate your own electricity. The more self-generated energy you use, the less you rely on purchasing electricity from utility companies. This leads to significant savings on your utility bills over time.
Solar Energy for a Profit
Not only can you save money on your energy bills, but you can also generate additional income through the excess energy generated by your solar system. Any surplus electricity that you don’t use can be sold back to the grid. Based on current electricity costs, you can expect a 20% return on investment per year on your solar panels.
100kW Solar Panel System Price
The typical cost for a 100kW solar system is approximately $200,000. However, it’s important to note that prices for solar systems have come down substantially over the past 10 years.
Source: The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
The decreasing cost of solar panels has made solar energy more affordable and accessible to a wider range of consumers.
100kW System with Battery Backup
When considering a 100kW solar system, it’s important to consider whether you would like to incorporate battery backup. There are two main types of batteries to choose from: lead acid and lithium polymer.
For a 100kW system with battery backup, the sizing requirements are as follows:
- Lead Acid Sizing: 100kWh x 2 (for 50% depth of discharge) x 1.2 (inefficiency factor) = 1200 kWh
- Lithium Sizing: 100kWh x 1.2 (for 80% depth of discharge) x 1.05 (inefficiency factor) = 630 kWh
Lithium polymer batteries are highly recommended as they require only half as many batteries compared to lead acid. Additionally, purchasing batteries and solar panels together can help reduce overall costs.
100kW Off-Grid Solar System
If you’re looking to power your property completely off-grid with a 100kW solar system, you will need to consider the number of panels and batteries required. To achieve a fully off-grid system, you would need to buy 333 or more 300-watt panels and 630 kWh worth of lithium polymer batteries for a complete cycle. The typical cost of these batteries would be $296,100.
How Many Panels Are Needed?
To reach the 100kW capacity, you will need a sufficient number of solar panels. Most panels have a capacity of 300 watts, meaning you will need 333 or more panels to achieve a 100kW solar system.
If you need different power requirements, check out 90 kW solar systems
How Big is a 100 kW Solar System?
Considering that each panel occupies approximately 17 sqft, you will need a total footprint of 5667 sqft to accommodate 333 panels for a 100kW solar system.
How Many kWh Does a 100kW Solar System Produce? (Load Per Day)
A 100kW solar system typically produces an output of 500 kWh. However, it’s important to note that this output is based on the panels receiving a minimum of 5 hours of sunlight per day. This equates to 15,000 kWh per month and 182,500 kWh per year.
There are also 1000 kW solar systems if you need a different sized system.
How Many Batteries Needed For a 100kW Solar Panel System?
The number of batteries needed for a 100kW solar panel system depends on the battery type used. With the recommended lithium polymer batteries, you would need 630 kWh worth of batteries. You can choose to buy a single battery system or wire several smaller batteries together to meet your energy storage needs.
Is a 100kW Solar System Worth It?
Investing in a 100kW solar system can be highly beneficial, especially if you live in an area with decent sun exposure. With the potential to generate $31,025 worth of electricity annually, you can expect a 20% return on your investment based on the current costs of solar panels ($200,000 for the system). Considering the rising cost of electricity and the potential for long-term savings, a 100kW solar system is certainly worth considering.
Note: It’s important to consult with a solar panel professional to assess your specific energy needs and discuss the feasibility of installing a 100kW solar system based on your location and budget.
