How Much Will a 6kW Solar System Save?
A 6kW solar system can provide substantial savings on your electricity bills. On average, a 6kW solar system can save you up to $1,862 per year. Over the 25-year lifespan of the solar panels, this amounts to a total savings of $46,538.
Rising Cost of Electricity
The cost of electricity has been escalating rapidly over the past four decades. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there has been a staggering increase of 270% in electricity costs during this period. To put this into perspective, take a look at the chart below:
Source:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
As electricity prices continue to rise, installing a solar system becomes an increasingly attractive option for homeowners.
See also: Solar Panel Systems: The Ultimate Guide to Going Green in 2023
Electricity Saving
One of the key benefits of investing in a solar system is the reduction in reliance on utility companies. The more electricity you can self-generate through your solar panels, the less you will need to purchase from the utility grid. This results in significant savings on your energy bills.
Solar Energy for a Profit
In addition to saving on electricity bills, a 6kW solar system can generate surplus electricity that can be sold back to the grid. This excess energy can serve as an additional source of income. Currently, you can expect a 20% return on investment per year on your solar panels, based on the current electricity costs.
6kW Solar Panel System Price
The typical cost for a 6kW solar system is around $12,000. It is important to note that solar system prices have significantly decreased over the past decade, making them more accessible and affordable for homeowners.
Source:
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
6kW System with Battery Backup
Adding a battery backup system to your 6kW solar system provides you with the ability to store excess energy for use during cloudy days or power outages. When considering battery options, two main types are commonly used: lead acid and lithium polymer batteries.
To properly size your battery backup system for a 6kW solar system, the following calculations can be used:
- Lead Acid Sizing: 6kWh x 2 (for 50% depth of discharge) x 1.2 (inefficiency factor) = 72 kWh
- Lithium Sizing: 6kWh x 1.2 (for 80% depth of discharge) x 1.05 (inefficiency factor) = 38 kWh
Lithium polymer batteries are highly recommended as they require only half the number of batteries compared to lead acid batteries. Additionally, it is more cost-effective to purchase batteries and panels together as a package.
6kW Off-Grid Solar System
If you are considering an off-grid solar system, where you are not connected to the utility grid, you will need to purchase more panels and batteries to meet your energy needs. For a 6kW off-grid solar system, it is recommended to purchase 20 or more panels. Additionally, you will need approximately 38 kWh worth of lithium polymer batteries to ensure you have enough energy stored for a full energy cycle. The typical cost of batteries required to run a 6kW off-grid solar system is around $17,766.
How Many Panels Are Needed?
To reach a 6kW solar system capacity, you will need at least 20 panels. Most solar panels available in the market have a power rating of 300 watts, making it necessary to acquire 20 or more panels to achieve the desired capacity.
If you need different power requirements, check out 5.2 kW solar systems
How Big is a 6 kW Solar System?
Considering that each solar panel has an average size of 17 square feet, the total footprint of a 6kW solar system would be approximately 340 square feet. It is important to allocate adequate space on your property to accommodate the solar panels.
How Many kWh Does a 6kW Solar System Produce? (Load Per Day)
A 6kW solar system, assuming it receives a minimum of 5 hours of direct sunlight, can produce approximately 30 kWh of electricity per day. This amounts to approximately 900 kWh per month and 10,950 kWh per year.
There are also 6.6 kW solar systems if you need a different sized system.
How Many Batteries Needed For a 6kW Solar Panel System?
The number of batteries needed for a 6kW solar system depends on the type of battery selected. When using the recommended lithium polymer battery, a 38 kWh capacity is required. You can choose to purchase a single battery system or wire together multiple batteries of smaller sizes to meet your energy storage needs.
Is a 6kW Solar System Worth It?
Investing in a 6kW solar system can be highly beneficial, especially if you live in an area with ample sunlight. With the potential cost savings and return on investment, a 6kW solar system can generate approximately $1,862 worth of electricity every year. Based on the current costs of panels, which typically amount to $12,000 for this system, the return on investment is approximately 20%. This makes investing in a 6kW solar system an attractive and worthwhile choice.
In conclusion, a 6kW solar system offers significant cost savings, potential returns on investment, and the opportunity to reduce reliance on utility companies while contributing to a more sustainable future through renewable energy generation. With decreasing solar system costs, it is an opportune time to consider installing a 6kW solar system for your home or business.
