How Much Will a 13kW Solar System Save?
When considering the installation of a 13kW solar system, it’s important to understand the potential savings it can provide. On average, this system can help you save up to $4,033 per year. Over the 25-year lifetime of the solar panels, the total savings can amount to an impressive $100,831.
Rising Cost of Electricity
One of the main driving factors behind the increasing popularity of solar energy is the rising cost of electricity. Over the past 40 years, there has been a staggering 270% increase in electricity costs. This upward trend can be clearly seen in the graph below:
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
By investing in a 13kW solar system, you can significantly offset the impact of these rising electricity costs.
See also: Solar Panel Systems: The Ultimate Guide to Going Green in 2023
Electricity Saving
One of the key benefits of solar energy is the ability to generate your own electricity. The more electricity you can self-generate through solar panels, the less you will need to rely on utility companies. This means substantial savings on your monthly electricity bills.
Solar Energy for a Profit
Beyond saving on electricity bills, a 13kW solar system can actually generate a profit. If you generate more electricity than you consume, you have the option to sell the excess power back to the grid. This can provide you with an additional stream of income. Currently, you can expect a 20% return on your investment per year based on the current electricity costs.
13kW Solar Panel System Price
The typical cost of a 13kW solar system is around $26,000. It’s important to note that solar panel prices have significantly come down over the past decade, making solar energy more affordable for homeowners.
Source: The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
13kW System with Battery Backup
When considering a 13kW solar system, it’s worth exploring the option of adding a battery backup. Two popular types of batteries used in solar systems are lead-acid and lithium-polymer batteries. In terms of sizing, let’s compare the two:
Lead Acid Sizing: 13kWh x 2 (for 50% depth of discharge) x 1.2 (inefficiency factor) = 156 kWh
Lithium Sizing: 13kWh x 1.2 (for 80% depth of discharge) x 1.05 (inefficiency factor) = 82 kWh
Based on these calculations, it is highly recommended to use lithium batteries as they require only half as many batteries compared to lead-acid. Additionally, purchasing batteries and panels together can help reduce the overall cost.
13kW Off-Grid Solar System
If you are considering an off-grid solar system, meaning you won’t be connected to the utility grid, there are specific requirements to consider. For a 13kW off-grid solar system, you will need to purchase 43 or more panels. Additionally, you will require approximately 82 kWh worth of lithium-polymer batteries to sustain a full cycle. The typical cost for these batteries is around $38,493.
How Many Panels Are Needed?
Most solar panels have a capacity of 300 watts. To achieve a total capacity of 13kW, you will need a minimum of 43 panels, assuming each panel has a capacity of 300 watts.
How Big is a 13 kW Solar System?
Considering the average size of each panel, which is 17 square feet, you will need 43 panels to achieve a 13kW capacity. Therefore, the total footprint of a 13kW solar system is approximately 737 square feet.
How Many kWh Does a 13kW Solar System Produce? (Load Per Day)
A 13kW solar system can typically produce an output of 65 kWh per day. This estimate is based on the assumption that the panels receive at least 5 hours of direct sunlight. Over the course of a month, this would amount to 1,950 kWh, and over a year, approximately 23,725 kWh.
There are also 15 kW solar systems if you need a different sized system.
How Many Batteries Needed For a 13kW Solar Panel System?
The number of batteries required for a 13kW solar panel system depends on the type of battery chosen, whether it’s lead-acid or lithium. With the recommended lithium-polymer batteries, you would need approximately 82 kWh worth of batteries. You have the option to purchase a single battery system or wire several batteries of smaller sizes together to achieve the required capacity.
Is a 13kW Solar System Worth It?
Considering all the factors mentioned above, investing in a 13kW solar system can prove to be highly profitable. With favorable sun exposure in your area, you can generate approximately $4,033 worth of electricity every year. This translates to a 20% return on investment based on the current costs of solar panels. Considering the initial cost of the system, $26,000, it is clear that a 13kW solar system offers significant financial benefits in the long run.
