How Much Will a 3.2kW Solar System Save?
Installing a 3.2kW solar system can lead to significant savings on your electricity bills. On average, a solar system of this capacity can save you up to $993 per year. Over the 25-year lifespan of the solar panels, this translates to a total savings of $24,820.
Rising Cost of Electricity
It’s important to consider the rising cost of electricity when evaluating the financial benefits of a solar system. Over the past 40 years, electricity costs have increased by a staggering 270%. This upward trend highlights the urgent need to seek alternative sources of energy, such as solar power.
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 solar system, you can reduce your reliance on utility companies and cut down your electricity bills. The more self-generated power you utilize, the less you’ll have to pay to utility companies for their electricity.
Solar Energy for a Profit
Another significant advantage of a solar system is the potential for generating a profit. If you produce more electricity than you consume, you can sell the excess back to the grid. Currently, you can enjoy approximately a 20% return on your investment per year based on the current electricity costs. This means that the panels pay for themselves relatively quickly.
3.2kW Solar Panel System Price
The typical cost for a 3.2kW solar system is around $6,400. It’s worth noting that solar panel prices have significantly declined over the past 10 years, making solar energy more affordable and accessible than ever before.
Source: The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
3.2kW System with Battery Backup
When considering a solar system, it’s essential to think about the type of battery backup to accompany it. In this case, we compare lead acid batteries to lithium polymer batteries.
To determine the lead acid battery size, you would need to multiply the system’s capacity (3.2kWh) by 2 (for 50% depth of discharge) and by 1.2 (inefficiency factor), resulting in a recommended sizing of 38 kWh.
In contrast, if you opt for lithium polymer batteries, which are highly recommended, you would only require half as many batteries. By multiplying the system’s capacity (3.2kWh) by 1.2 (for 80% depth of discharge) and by 1.05 (inefficiency factor), you would achieve a recommended sizing of 20 kWh.
Furthermore, acquiring both batteries and panels together can help reduce costs and increase the overall efficiency of your solar system.
3.2kW Off-Grid Solar System
For those looking to go off-grid, a 3.2kW solar system would require purchasing 11 or more panels. Additionally, to achieve a full cycle, you would need approximately 20 kWh worth of lithium polymer batteries. The cost of the batteries required for a 3.2kW off-grid solar system typically amounts to $9,475.
How Many Panels Are Needed?
Since most panels have a capacity of 300 watts, you will require 11 or more panels to reach 3.2kW capacity.
If you need different power requirements, check out 3.1 kW solar systems
How Big is a 3.2 kW Solar System?
The total footprint of a 3.2kW solar system can be calculated by multiplying the number of panels (11) by the individual panel size (17 sqft). Hence, the approximate total footprint of a 3.2kW solar system is around 181 sqft.
How Many kWh Does a 3.2kW Solar System Produce? (Load Per Day)
A 3.2kW solar system typically produces an average output of 16 kWh per day. However, this output is contingent on the panels receiving at least 5 hours of direct sunlight. Consequently, you can expect an estimated monthly output of 480 kWh and an annual output of 5,840 kWh.
There are also 3.8 kW solar systems if you need a different sized system.
How Many Batteries Needed For a 3.2kW Solar Panel System?
The number of batteries required for a 3.2kW solar panel system depends on the battery type. If you opt for the recommended lithium polymer batteries, you would need approximately 20 kWh worth of batteries. It is also possible to purchase a single battery system or wire several batteries of smaller sizes together to meet your system’s needs.
Is a 3.2kW Solar System Worth It?
If you reside in an area with ample sunlight, a 3.2kW solar system can generate substantial savings. Based on current electricity costs, you can generate approximately $993 worth of electricity every year. With the system’s typical cost of $6,400, this equates to a remarkable 20% return on investment.
In conclusion, a 3.2kW solar system offers both financial savings and environmental benefits. By harnessing the power of the sun, you can reduce your reliance on expensive utility companies and contribute to a more sustainable future.
