How Much Will a 2.5kW Solar System Save?
One of the most significant advantages of installing a solar system is the potential for savings on electricity bills. A 2.5kW solar system can save you up to $776 per year. Over the panel’s lifetime of 25 years, this adds up to savings of $19,391.
Rising Cost of Electricity
The rising cost of electricity has become a cause of concern for many households. Over the past 40 years, electricity prices in the United States have increased by a staggering 270%. This trend is expected to continue in the future.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
See also: Solar Panel Systems: The Ultimate Guide to Going Green in 2023
Electricity Saving
By utilizing a solar system, you can significantly reduce your reliance on electricity from utility companies. The more self-generated electricity you consume, the less you need to purchase from the grid. This translates into substantial savings on your electricity bills.
Solar Energy for a Profit
Moreover, with a 2.5kW solar system, any excess electricity that you generate but do not use can be sold back to the grid. This allows you to earn additional income from your solar investment. In fact, based on current electricity costs, you can achieve a 20% return on your investment per year on the panels alone.
2.5kW Solar Panel System Price
When considering a 2.5kW solar system, one of the crucial factors to consider is the price. On average, the cost for this solar system is around $5,000. However, it is important to note that solar panel prices have come down substantially over the past decade, making it an increasingly affordable option for many.
Source: The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
2.5kW System with Battery Backup
For those looking to have a backup power source, a 2.5kW solar system can be paired with batteries. Two commonly used battery types are lead-acid and lithium polymer.
Using lead-acid batteries, the sizing calculation would be: 2.5kWh x 2 (for 50% depth of discharge) x 1.2 (inefficiency factor) = 30kWh.
On the other hand, utilizing lithium polymer batteries, the sizing calculation would be: 2.5kWh x 1.2 (for 80% depth of discharge) x 1.05 (inefficiency factor) = 16kWh.
It is highly recommended to opt for lithium polymer batteries as they have a higher energy density. This means that you would only need half as many batteries for the same energy storage capacity. Additionally, purchasing batteries and panels together can help reduce costs.
2.5kW Off-Grid Solar System
If you are interested in an off-grid solar system, meaning you are not connected to the utility grid, there are a few factors to consider. To run a 2.5kW off-grid system, you will typically need to buy eight or more panels. Additionally, you will require 16kWh worth of lithium polymer batteries to ensure a full cycle of energy storage. The estimated cost of batteries required for such a system is around $7,403.
How Many Panels Are Needed?
Most solar panels available in the market are rated at 300 watts. Therefore, to achieve a 2.5kW solar system, you will need a minimum of eight panels or even more depending on their individual wattage.
If you need different power requirements, check out 2.2 kW solar systems
How Big is a 2.5 kW Solar System?
Considering each panel has an average size of 17 sqft, you would need a total footprint of 142 sqft for eight panels. This is an essential consideration when planning the installation of a solar system, as you need sufficient space for the panels to capture sunlight effectively.
How Many kWh Does a 2.5kW Solar System Produce? (Load Per Day)
A 2.5kW solar system has an average output of 13 kWh per day. This estimation assumes that the panels receive at least five hours of sunlight. Over a month, this translates to approximately 375 kWh, and over a year, it amounts to 4563 kWh.
There are also 3 kW solar systems if you need a different sized system.
How Many Batteries Needed For a 2.5kW Solar Panel System?
The number of batteries required for a 2.5kW solar panel system depends on the battery type chosen. If you opt for the recommended lithium polymer batteries, you will need 16 kWh worth of batteries. It is possible to buy a single battery system or, alternatively, wire several batteries of smaller sizes together.
Is a 2.5kW Solar System Worth It?
Considering the potential savings and returns on investment, a 2.5kW solar system can be a worthwhile investment. If you reside in an area with decent sun exposure, you can generate approximately $776 worth of electricity savings every year. Furthermore, based on the current costs of panels, the initial cost of $5,000 for a 2.5kW system can result in a 20% return on investment. With these advantages, a 2.5kW solar system offers an excellent opportunity for individuals and businesses to reduce their carbon footprint and achieve long-term financial savings.
In conclusion, considering the decreasing cost of solar panels, the potential savings on electricity bills, and the ability to generate income by selling excess electricity back to the grid, a 2.5kW solar system is a wise investment. With the proper configuration and battery backup, you can enjoy reliable electricity supply, reduce your reliance on utility companies, and contribute to a sustainable future.
