How Much Will a 18kW Solar System Save?
Investing in an 18kW solar system can result in substantial savings over time. On average, this system can save up to $5,585 per year. Over the 25-year lifetime of the solar panels, the total savings can amount to an impressive $139,613.
Rising Cost of Electricity
One of the key reasons why investing in solar energy is advantageous is the continuously rising cost of electricity. Over the past 40 years, electricity costs have increased by a staggering 270%. This trend is expected to continue, making solar energy an even more attractive option for cost-conscious consumers.
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 significantly reduce your reliance on utility companies. The more self-generated electricity you use, the less you have to pay to utility companies, resulting in substantial savings on your monthly electricity bills.
Solar Energy for a Profit
One of the benefits of an 18kW solar system is the opportunity to generate a profit. If your system generates more electricity than you consume, you can sell the excess back to the grid. This allows you to earn money from your solar panels. Based on current electricity costs, you can expect a 20% return on your investment per year.
18kW Solar Panel System Price
The typical cost for an 18kW solar system is around $36,000. However, it’s important to note that prices have come down substantially over the past 10 years, making solar systems more affordable and accessible for homeowners and businesses.
Source: The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
18kW System with Battery Backup
If you’re considering adding battery backup to your solar system, it’s crucial to choose the right type of battery. Lead acid and lithium polymer batteries are the most common options.
By using lead acid batteries, an 18kW solar system would require a battery capacity of 216 kWh. In contrast, lithium polymer batteries would only require 113 kWh. Lithium batteries are highly recommended as they have a higher depth of discharge and are more efficient, allowing you to use half as many batteries.
To reduce costs, it is advisable to purchase the batteries and panels together, as this can result in a more cost-effective solution.
18kW Off-Grid Solar System
If you are planning to build an off-grid solar system, several considerations should be taken into account. To generate sufficient electricity, you would need to purchase 60 or more solar panels. Additionally, you would need 113 kWh worth of lithium polymer batteries to fulfill a full cycle.
The typical cost of batteries required to run an 18kW off-grid solar system is approximately $53,298, making it essential to factor this into your overall budget.
How Many Panels Are Needed?
To achieve an 18kW solar system, most panels available on the market are 300 watts each. Therefore, you would need to install 60 or more panels to reach the desired capacity.
If you need different power requirements, check out 15 kW solar systems
How Big is a 18 kW Solar System?
Considering that each solar panel has a size of approximately 17 sqft, and with a requirement of 60 panels, the total footprint of an 18 kW solar system would be around 1020 sqft.
How Many kWh Does a 18kW Solar System Produce? (Load Per Day)
An 18 kW solar system typically produces an output of 90 kWh per day. However, it’s important to note that the actual production depends on several factors, such as the amount of sunlight the panels receive. To achieve optimal output, the panels should receive a minimum of 5 hours of direct sunlight each day. This results in a monthly production of 2,700 kWh and an annual production of 32,850 kWh.
There are also 20 kW solar systems if you need a different sized system.
How Many Batteries Needed For a 18kW Solar Panel System?
The number of batteries required for an 18kW solar panel system depends on the selected battery type. If you choose the recommended lithium polymer batteries, you will need 113 kWh worth of batteries to provide sufficient storage capacity.
You have the option to purchase a single larger battery or wire several smaller batteries together to meet your energy storage needs.
Is a 18kW Solar System Worth It?
Absolutely! If you live in an area with decent sun exposure, investing in an 18kW solar system can result in significant financial benefits. The system can generate $5,585 worth of electricity every year, providing you with a 20% return on your investment based on the current costs of panels.
Considering the initial cost of $36,000 for this system, this represents an excellent return on investment over its lifetime.
By harnessing the power of solar energy, you can not only save on your electricity bills but also make a valuable contribution to a sustainable and clean energy future.
