How Much Will a 4.5kW Solar System Save?
One of the most significant advantages of installing a 4.5kW solar system is the potential cost savings. On average, a 4.5kW solar system can save you up to $1,396 per year. Over the 25-year lifetime of the solar panels, this can add up to a total savings of $34,903.
Rising Cost of Electricity
The cost of electricity has been steadily increasing over the past few decades, making solar energy an even more attractive option. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, electricity costs have increased by 270% over the past 40 years. This rise in electricity costs is shown in the graph below:
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
See also: Solar Panel Systems: The Ultimate Guide to Going Green in 2023
Electricity Saving
By generating your own electricity through a 4.5kW solar system, you can significantly reduce your reliance on utility companies and decrease your monthly electricity bills. The more self-generated electricity you use, the less you pay utility companies.
Solar Energy for a Profit
Not only can you save on electricity bills, but with a 4.5kW solar system, you can also potentially generate additional income. Any excess electricity generated that you don’t use can be sold back to the grid. This means that you can earn a return on your investment of up to 20% per year, based on the current electricity costs.
4.5kW Solar Panel System Price
The cost of a 4.5kW solar system will vary based on various factors such as location, installation complexity, and equipment used. However, as a rough estimate, the typical cost for a 4.5kW solar system is around $9,000. It’s important to note that solar panel prices have come down substantially over the past 10 years, making them more affordable and accessible.
Source: The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
4.5kW System with Battery Backup
For those looking to have a backup power supply during periods of low sunlight or power outages, adding battery storage to a 4.5kW solar system is a great option. Two common types of batteries used are lead-acid and lithium polymer.
When sizing lead-acid batteries for a 4.5kW solar system, you would need approximately 54 kWh (4.5kWh x 2 for 50% depth of discharge x 1.2 inefficiency factor). On the other hand, lithium polymer batteries only require 28 kWh (4.5kWh x 1.2 for 80% depth of discharge x 1.05 inefficiency factor). Considering the higher efficiency and longer lifespan of lithium batteries, they are highly recommended as they require half as many batteries compared to lead-acid.
To reduce costs, it’s advisable to purchase batteries and solar panels together as a bundle.
4.5kW Off-Grid Solar System
An off-grid solar system operates independently from the power grid, making it an ideal choice for remote locations or individuals seeking complete energy independence. To run a 4.5kW off-grid solar system, you would typically need to purchase 15 or more solar panels. Additionally, approximately 28 kWh worth of lithium polymer batteries would be required to store enough energy for a full cycle.
Considering the cost of batteries required, a 4.5kW off-grid solar system would have a typical battery cost of $13,325.
How Many Panels Are Needed?
Most solar panels available in the market are rated around 300 watts. To achieve a total capacity of 4.5kW, you would require at least 15 panels or more.
If you need different power requirements, check out 4.2 kW solar systems
How Big is a 4.5kW Solar System?
Each solar panel has a footprint of approximately 17 square feet. As a result, a 4.5kW solar system with 15 panels would have a total footprint of 255 square feet.
How Many kWh Does a 4.5kW Solar System Produce? (Load Per Day)
A 4.5kW solar system can typically produce an output of 23 kWh per day, assuming the panels receive at least 5 hours of sunlight. This equates to 675 kWh per month and 8,213 kWh per year.
There are also 5 kW solar systems if you need a different sized system.
How Many Batteries Needed For a 4.5kW Solar Panel System?
The number of batteries required for a 4.5kW solar panel system depends on the type of battery used, such as lead-acid or lithium. If you opt for the recommended lithium polymer batteries, you would need approximately 28 kWh worth of batteries. It is possible to buy a single battery system or wire several batteries of smaller sizes together to meet this requirement.
Is a 4.5kW Solar System Worth It?
Considering the potential cost savings and the ability to generate and sell excess electricity, a 4.5kW solar system is a worthwhile investment. By installing a 4.5kW solar system in an area with good sunlight, you can generate approximately $1,396 worth of electricity per year. This translates to a 20% return on investment based on the current cost of panels, which is around $9,000 for this system.
In conclusion, a 4.5kW solar system offers substantial potential savings, reduced reliance on utility companies, and the possibility of generating additional income. As solar panel prices continue to decrease and the benefits of renewable energy become more evident, investing in a 4.5kW solar system is a wise decision for homeowners looking to embrace clean and sustainable energy.
