How Much Will a 2.2kW Solar System Save?
Installing a 2.2kW solar system can lead to significant savings on electricity bills. On average, homeowners can save up to $683 per year by generating their own electricity with a 2.2kW solar system. Over the lifespan of the solar panels (typically around 25 years), this can add up to a total savings of $17,064.
Rising Cost of Electricity
The cost of electricity has been steadily increasing over the past 40 years. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there has been a staggering increase of 270% in electricity prices during this period. This rise in electricity costs has made solar energy an increasingly attractive option for homeowners.
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 with a 2.2kW solar system, you can significantly reduce your reliance on utility companies. The more self-generated electricity you use, the less you have to pay to utility companies for electricity consumption.
Solar Energy for a Profit
In addition to saving on electricity bills, you can also make a profit by selling excess electricity back to the grid. With a 2.2kW solar system, you can sell back any surplus electricity that you don’t use to the utility company. This can result in a 20% return on your investment per year, based on current electricity costs.
2.2kW Solar Panel System Price
The typical cost for a 2.2kW solar system is around $4,400. It’s worth noting that solar panel prices have significantly come down over the past decade, making solar energy more affordable and accessible for homeowners.
Source: The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
2.2kW System with Battery Backup
If you’re considering a 2.2kW solar system with battery backup, it’s important to choose the right type of battery. Lead acid and lithium polymer batteries are two common options.
For lead acid batteries, the sizing calculation would be as follows:
2.2kWh x 2 (for 50% depth of discharge) x 1.2 (inefficiency factor) = 26 kWh
For lithium polymer batteries, the sizing calculation would be:
2.2kWh x 1.2 (for 80% depth of discharge) x 1.05 (inefficiency factor) = 14 kWh
It is highly recommended to choose lithium batteries as they require fewer batteries for the same capacity. By opting for lithium batteries, you can reduce costs and enhance the efficiency of your solar system. Consider purchasing batteries and panels together to potentially save on overall costs.
2.2kW Off-Grid Solar System
If you’re aiming for a 2.2kW off-grid solar system, you will need to purchase 7 or more solar panels. Additionally, to sustain a full cycle, you will require 14 kWh worth of lithium polymer batteries. The typical cost of batteries required to run a 2.2kW off-grid system is approximately $6,514.
How Many Panels Are Needed?
Most solar panels available in the market are rated at 300 watts. To achieve a total output of 2.2kW, you will need 7 or more panels.
If you need different power requirements, check out 2 kW solar systems
How Big is a 2.2 kW Solar System?
Each solar panel occupies an area of approximately 17 square feet. Since you will need 7 panels for a 2.2kW solar system, the total footprint would be 125 square feet. It’s important to consider the available space on your property before installing the panels.
How Many kWh Does a 2.2kW Solar System Produce? (Load Per Day)
A 2.2kW solar system typically produces an average output of 11 kWh per day. This estimation is based on the panels receiving at least 5 hours of sunlight on a daily basis. Over a month, this translates to approximately 330 kWh, and over a year, it amounts to around 4,015 kWh.
There are also 2.5 kW solar systems if you need a different sized system.
How Many Batteries Needed For a 2.2kW Solar Panel System?
The number of batteries required for a 2.2kW solar panel system depends on the type of battery chosen. If you opt for the recommended lithium polymer batteries, you will need approximately 14 kWh worth of batteries. You have the option to buy a single battery system or wire multiple smaller batteries together to achieve the desired capacity.
Is a 2.2kW Solar System Worth It?
Considering the potential savings and earning opportunities, a 2.2kW solar system can be a worthwhile investment. If you live in an area with sufficient sunlight, you can generate approximately $683 worth of electricity every year. Based on the current cost of the system ($4,400), this translates to a 20% return on investment. With decreasing solar panel prices and the potential for long-term savings, a 2.2kW solar system is indeed an attractive option for homeowners.
In conclusion, a 2.2kW solar system offers significant cost savings, reduced reliance on utility companies, and the potential for earning profits through surplus electricity generation. With the declining costs of solar panels and the increasing efficiency of battery technologies, now is a great time to consider installing a 2.2kW solar system.
