How Much Will a 12kW Solar System Save?
Investing in a 12kW solar system can lead to substantial savings on your electricity bills. On average, homeowners can save up to $3,723 per year by harnessing solar energy with a 12kW system. Over the panel’s lifetime, which typically spans around 25 years, these savings can amount to an impressive $93,075.
Rising Cost of Electricity
The rising cost of electricity has been a growing concern for homeowners over the past few decades. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there has been a staggering 270% increase in electricity costs over the past 40 years. This upward trend emphasizes the need for alternative energy sources 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
One of the primary benefits of a solar system is the ability to generate your own electricity. By relying on self-generated solar energy, you can significantly reduce your dependency on utility companies and subsequently lower your electricity bills. The more energy you generate, the less you need to pay to utility companies.
Solar Energy for a Profit
Moreover, with a surplus of solar energy, you have the opportunity to sell back the excess electricity to the grid. By doing so, you can earn a return on your investment. Current electricity costs enable homeowners to achieve a remarkable 20% return on their investment per year on solar panels. This makes investing in a 12kW solar system not only a cost-saving venture but also a potentially profitable one.
12kW Solar Panel System Price
While savings and returns on investment are attractive, it is important to consider the initial cost of installing a 12kW solar system. The typical cost for a system of this size is around $24,000. However, it is essential to note that prices for solar systems have significantly decreased over the past decade, making solar energy more accessible for homeowners.
Source: The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
12kW System with Battery Backup
When considering a 12kW solar system, it is crucial to evaluate the need for battery backup. The choice between lead acid and lithium polymer batteries should be carefully considered. To estimate battery size, the calculation involves multiplying the system capacity (12kWh) by the depth of discharge (50% for lead acid and 80% for lithium) and factoring in inefficiency.
For a lead acid battery setup:
12kWh x 2 (for 50% depth of discharge) x 1.2 (inefficiency factor) = 144 kWh
For a lithium battery setup:
12kWh x 1.2 (for 80% depth of discharge) x 1.05 (inefficiency factor) = 76 kWh
Based on these calculations, it is highly recommended to opt for lithium batteries as they require half the number of batteries compared to lead acid batteries. Additionally, purchasing batteries and panels together can help reduce costs.
12kW Off-Grid Solar System
For homeowners looking to go completely off-grid, a 12kW solar system can provide the necessary energy. To achieve this, you would typically need to purchase 40 or more 300-watt panels. Additionally, for a full cycle, you would require 76 kWh worth of lithium polymer batteries. The typical cost of the batteries required to run a 12kW solar system amounts to approximately $35,532.
How Many Panels Are Needed?
To achieve a 12kW capacity, most panels available in the market have a rating of 300 watts. Therefore, to reach the desired 12kW capacity, you would need 40 or more solar panels.
If you need different power requirements, check out 10 kW solar systems
How Big is a 12 kW Solar System?
Considering an average panel size of 17 sqft, the total footprint of a 12kW solar system, with 40 panels, would be approximately 680 sqft. It is important to consider the available roof space or outdoor area when planning the installation of a solar system of this size.
How Many kWh Does a 12kW Solar System Produce? (Load Per Day)
On average, a 12kW solar system can produce around 60 kWh of electricity per day. This output is achievable if the panels receive at least 5 hours of sunlight. Consequently, the system can produce approximately 1,800 kWh per month and 21,900 kWh per year.
There are also 13 kW solar systems if you need a different sized system.
How Many Batteries Needed For a 12kW Solar Panel System?
The number of batteries required for a 12kW solar panel system depends on the battery type chosen—lead acid or lithium. If you opt for the recommended lithium polymer batteries, you would need 76 kWh worth of battery capacity. It is possible to choose a single battery system or wire together several batteries of smaller sizes to meet the capacity requirement.
Is a 12kW Solar System Worth It?
Investing in a 12kW solar system can yield significant benefits, particularly for homeowners in areas with ample sunlight. With the potential to generate $3,723 worth of electricity every year, the system offers a remarkable 20% return on investment based on the current costs of solar panels (around $24,000 for a 12kW system). Considering the potential savings, returns, and environmental impact, a 12kW solar system is an appealing option for homeowners looking to transition to clean and renewable energy.
