How Much Will a 5.2kW Solar System Save?
Investing in a 5.2kW solar system can lead to significant financial savings. On average, you can save up to $1,613 per year by switching to solar energy. Over the 25-year lifespan of the solar panels, this amounts to savings of $40,333.
Rising Cost of Electricity
One of the main reasons why solar energy is gaining popularity is due to the rising cost of electricity. Over the past 40 years, there has been a staggering increase of 270% in electricity costs. This trend is evident in the following chart:
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
By installing a 5.2kW solar system, you can reduce your reliance on utility companies and consequently lower your electricity bills.
See also: Solar Panel Systems: The Ultimate Guide to Going Green in 2023
Electricity Saving
The more electricity you can self-generate through your solar panels, the less you will need to rely on purchasing electricity from utility companies. This translates to reduced electricity bills and more savings in the long run.
Solar Energy for a Profit
Another advantage of solar energy is the potential for selling excess electricity back to the grid. With a 5.2kW solar system, you can generate more electricity than you consume. This surplus electricity can be sold back to the grid, allowing you to earn a profit. Based on current electricity costs, you can expect a 20% return on your investment per year on the panels alone.
5.2kW Solar Panel System Price
The cost of a 5.2kW solar system has significantly decreased over the past decade. On average, a 5.2kW solar system can cost around $10,400. This price includes the solar panels, installation, and associated equipment.
Source: The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
5.2kW System with Battery Backup
For those interested in having a battery backup system, it is important to choose the right type of battery. Lead acid and lithium polymer batteries are commonly used for solar panel systems.
By calculating the battery sizing for a 5.2kW system, we find that:
- Lead Acid Sizing: 5.2kWh x 2 (for 50% depth of discharge) x 1.2 (inefficiency factor) = 62 kWh
- Lithium Sizing: 5.2kWh x 1.2 (for 80% depth of discharge) x 1.05 (inefficiency factor) = 33 kWh
Considering the higher energy density and efficiency of lithium batteries, it is highly recommended to opt for lithium batteries. Choosing lithium batteries allows you to require only half as many batteries, reducing the overall cost of the system.
To further reduce costs, it is advisable to purchase batteries and solar panels together as a package.
5.2kW Off-Grid Solar System
An off-grid solar system refers to a system that operates independently of the traditional power grid. If you are interested in an off-grid solar system, you will need to purchase 17 or more panels to achieve a 5.2kW capacity. Additionally, you will require 33 kWh of lithium polymer batteries to ensure a full cycle of power.
The typical cost of batteries required for running a 5.2kW off-grid system is around $15,397.
How Many Panels Are Needed?
Most solar panels have a capacity of 300 watts each. To achieve a 5.2kW solar system, you will need 17 or more panels.
If you need different power requirements, check out 5 kW solar systems
How Big is a 5.2 kW Solar System?
With each panel having a size of 17 sqft, you will need a total of 17 panels for a 5.2kW system. This means that the total footprint of a 5.2kW solar system is approximately 295 sqft.
How Many kWh Does a 5.2kW Solar System Produce? (Load Per Day)
A 5.2kW solar system typically produces an output of 26 kWh per day. This estimate assumes that the panels receive at least 5 hours of sunlight each day. Over a month, this amounts to 780 kWh, and over a year, it totals 9,490 kWh.
There are also 6 kW solar systems if you need a different sized system.
How Many Batteries Needed For a 5.2kW Solar Panel System?
The number of batteries required for a 5.2kW solar panel system depends on the type of battery chosen – lead acid or lithium. If you opt for lithium polymer batteries, which are recommended, you will need 33 kWh worth of batteries. You can choose to buy a single battery system or wire together several batteries of smaller sizes to meet your energy storage needs.
Is a 5.2kW Solar System Worth It?
Considering the potential financial benefits and environmental impact, a 5.2kW solar system is definitely worth the investment. If you live in an area with decent sun exposure, you can generate $1,613 worth of electricity every year. This translates to a 20% return on investment based on the current costs of the solar panels, which amounts to $10,400 for this particular system. Investing in solar power not only saves you money but also contributes to a more sustainable future.
With the information provided in this guide, you are now equipped to make an informed decision about installing a 5.2kW solar system. By taking advantage of solar energy, you can not only save money but also reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner environment.
