How Much Will a 9.9kW Solar System Save?
By installing a 9.9kW solar system, you can expect substantial savings on your electricity bill. On average, you can save up to $3,071 per year with this system. Over the 25-year lifespan of the solar panels, the total savings can amount to an impressive $76,787. These savings are made possible by generating your own electricity, reducing your reliance on utility companies and offsetting the rising cost of electricity.
Rising Cost of Electricity
Over the past 40 years, the cost of electricity has increased by a staggering 270%. This upward trend in pricing can significantly impact households and businesses, leading to higher expenses. The graph below highlights the steep rise in electricity costs over the years.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
See also: Solar Panel Systems: The Ultimate Guide to Going Green in 2023
Electricity Saving
One of the significant advantages of installing a solar system is the ability to save on electricity bills. The more self-generated electricity you use, the less you need to purchase from utility companies. By relying on solar energy, you can reduce your electricity costs and have more control over your energy consumption.
Solar Energy for a Profit
Not only can you save money with a solar system, but you can also potentially generate a profit. Any excess electricity that your 9.9kW system produces can be sold back to the grid. This means that what you don’t use can benefit other consumers and provide you with additional income. With current electricity costs, it’s possible to achieve a 20% return on your investment annually based on the panels’ output.
9.9kW Solar Panel System Price
While the benefits of a 9.9kW solar system are significant, it’s essential to consider the initial investment. The typical cost for this solar system is approximately $19,800. However, it’s worth noting that solar panel prices have decreased substantially over the past decade, making it a more accessible option for many homeowners and businesses.
Source: The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
9.9kW System with Battery Backup
For those looking to have backup power during outages or to become completely off-grid, a 9.9kW system with battery backup is an excellent option. When considering battery sizing, two common types are lead acid and lithium polymer batteries.
Lead Acid Sizing:
9.9kWh x 2 (for 50% depth of discharge) x 1.2 (inefficiency factor) = 119 kWh
Lithium Sizing:
9.9kWh x 1.2 (for 80% depth of discharge) x 1.05 (inefficiency factor) = 62 kWh
Lithium batteries are highly recommended as they require fewer batteries compared to lead acid. By choosing lithium, you’ll only need half as many batteries, making it a more cost-effective choice. Additionally, it is advisable to purchase batteries and panels together to reduce overall costs.
9.9kW Off-Grid Solar System
If you prefer to be completely off-grid and have no reliance on utility companies, a 9.9kW off-grid solar system might be the solution for you. To achieve this level of independence, you’ll need to buy 33 or more panels. Additionally, a 9.9kW system would require approximately 62 kWh worth of lithium polymer batteries to ensure a full cycle. The typical cost for the batteries required to run a 9.9kW off-grid solar system is $29,314.
How Many Panels Are Needed?
To achieve a 9.9kW solar system, most panels available in the market have a capacity of 300 watts. Thus, you will need 33 or more panels to reach a total capacity of 9.9kW.
If you need different power requirements, check out 9.2 kW solar systems
How Big is a 9.9kW Solar System?
Each solar panel typically has a size of 17 square feet. With a requirement of 33 panels for a 9.9kW system, the total footprint of the system is approximately 561 square feet. This size should be considered when determining available space for solar panel installation.
How Many kWh Does a 9.9kW Solar System Produce? (Load Per Day)
A 9.9kW solar system has an average output of 50 kWh per day. It’s important to note that this estimation assumes the panels receive a minimum of 5 hours of direct sunlight. On a monthly basis, this translates to 1,485 kWh, and over the course of a year, the system can generate around 18,068 kWh of electricity.
There are also 10 kW solar systems if you need a different sized system.
How Many Batteries Needed For a 9.9kW Solar Panel System?
The number of batteries required for a 9.9kW solar panel system depends on the battery type, such as lead acid or lithium. If you opt for the recommended lithium polymer batteries, you would need approximately 62 kWh worth of batteries. It’s possible to purchase a single large battery or wire several smaller batteries together to meet the required capacity.
Is a 9.9kW Solar System Worth It?
Considering the potential savings and returns on investment, a 9.9kW solar system is undoubtedly worth considering. If you reside in an area with decent sun exposure, you can generate $3,071 worth of electricity every year. This translates to a 20% return on investment based on the current cost of the system, which is $19,800. With both financial and environmental benefits, a 9.9kW solar system provides an attractive proposition for individuals and businesses looking to transition to renewable energy.
Providing substantial annual savings, a decreased reliance on fluctuating electricity prices, and the potential to generate a profit, installing a 9.9kW solar system can be a wise long-term investment in a sustainable future.
