10kW Solar System
A 10kW solar system offers substantial benefits for homeowners or businesses seeking to maximise energy production and savings. In recent years, the popularity of 10kW solar systems on residential homes has surged as technology in panel efficiency has advanced and prices of panels have come down. Also, with the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) in Australia and a greater need for energy independance, homeowners are increasingly installing larger systems such as a 10kW or 13kW to meet their demands. There are numerous solar companies that still advertise smaller systems to entice customers at a lower price point, however at Outback Solar, we prioritise providing customised solutions that benefit our customers in the long run and in many cases this means finding a balance between installing a larger system and the customers budget.
How many panels are there in a 10kW Solar System?
Typically, a 10kW solar system comprises approximately 23 to 26 solar panels, based on the common panel wattage size in Australia, which falls between 390 Watts to 440 watts per panel. For example, if I am using a 440W solar panel, then I will require 23 solar panels to achieve a system size of 10000W or 10kW. However, variations may occur based on the individual panel efficiency, physical size, available roof space, orientation (whether installed Landscaped or Portrait), shading issues, and local energy distributor regulations. In 2024, a 10kW solar system can be installed using more efficient panels that pack more power into a panel. This means less roof space is required compared to older systems. In previous years, you would have needed 40-50 panels to make up a 10kW system output, whereas now you can get away with only installing 23 or less. It is always advised for an Outback Solar Installer to conduct an on-site measure and inspection to determine the exact number of panels you can fit on your roof before installation is to occur.
What is the output of a 10kW Solar System?
On average, a 10kW solar system can produce approximately 40-48 kWh kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per day in Australia, depending on factors such as sunlight exposure, weather conditions, and location of solar panels installed. Over the course of a year, this translates to roughly 14,600-17,500 kWh annually.
This level of energy production can power a variety of household appliances and devices, making it a versatile option for both residential homes and businesses. A 10kW solar system can comfortably power a range of essential household appliances, including air-conditioning, refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, electric ovens and even pool pumps. These appliances typically consume varying amounts of energy, but collectively, they can be sustained by the output of a 10kW Solar System.
Excess power generated by a 10kW solar system, can be sent back to the grid when it produces more electricity than your home or business needs. In Australia, this is typically fed back into the grid through a process known as net metering or feed-in tariffs, depending on the policies of your local grid network or Energy company. Ideally you would rather consume the solar energy in your home than send it back to the grid, as it offsets your electricity rates that you would have been charged for if you did not have a Solar System.
Should I get a 10kw single phase or 3 phase solar system?
The decision whether you should get a 10kW single phase or 3 phase solar system depends on several factors:
Energy Needs: Determine your actual energy needs. A 10kW single phase system provides 10kW of power in a single phase, while a 10kW three phase system distributes 10kW of power across three phases.
Load Balance: If your load is balanced across all 3 phases, a 3 phase 10kW solar system might be more efficient and provide better power distribution. This is especially important for businesses where there are multiple machinery being used.
Cost: 3 phase inverters are more expensive compared to single phase inverters. Consider your budget and weigh it against the benefits of a 3 phase system.
Future Expansion: If you plan to add heavy machinery or equipment in the future, you might benefit from a 3 phase 10kW Solar System. if you don’t have 3 phase supply coming into your property, it might be worth while upgrading now to avoid costly upgrades later.
Grid Network Regulations: In Australia, the choice between single-phase and 3 phase solar systems is influenced by grid network policies and regulations. In case you cant get 3 phase supply to your home or business, then opting for a single phase 10kW Solar system would still provide many advantages and savings.
What’s the cost of a 10kW solar system?
The cost of a 10kW solar system can vary depending on several factors, including the choice of products, installation complexity, location, whether you get a single phase or 3 phase inverter and any options added to the system such as monitoring and battery storage. On average, in Australia, the price of a decent 10kW solar system can range from approx. $8,000 to $12,000. It will cost more if you were to use Enphase Micro-Inverters in the case where your property might have shading issues.
Australia offers various government incentives and rebates to encourage Australians to switch to solar power, such as the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) and state based rebates, particularly on Batteries. These incentives can significantly reduce the upfront cost of your 10kW solar system.
If you are considering getting a 10kW solar system with a 3-Phase Inverter, and you wish to upgrade to 3 Phase Supply, it is essential to carefully consider the associated costs involved as this will increase the total price of the system.
You might find that a 13kW solar system offers better value for money for your specific property. Please speak to an Outback solar consultant to carry out a comparison between the 2 system sizes.
Would I need a 10kW Solar System with Battery Storage?
To know whether you need a 10kW solar system with battery storage depends on a number of factors, including your energy usage behaviour and pattern, local grid network reliability, and your individual preferences. A 10kW solar system alone can significantly reduce your electricity bills by utilising solar power during the day, instead of purchasing electricity from your Energy Company. If you often consume electricity during the evening or night, then a 10kW solar system with battery storage could be an advantage. This setup allows you to store your excess solar power generated throughout the day when the sun is out and use it during evening hours when the sun is down.
Furthermore, adding battery storage can provide additional benefits such as flexibility and access to backup power during grid outages. If you experience frequent outages or wish to consume maximum solar energy from your 10kW solar system, then it would be a great idea to install a battery as well.
For locations distant from the grid, then a 10kW off-grid solar system with battery would be the way to go. This will give you complete autonomy and energy independance.
Speak to an Outback Solar expert or installer to help evaluate your energy consumption requirements and design a 10kW Solar System with battery storage tailored to your lifestyle needs.
How much will a 10kW solar system save me?
https://www.energymadeeasy.gov.au/Determining how much a 10kW solar system will save you depends on various factors such as the install location, your consumption of the solar energy, electricity rates, and your Feed in Tariff. On average, a 10kW solar system in NSW can generate approximately 14,600 to 17,500 kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy output per year, which can significantly offset your electricity bills.
Many people ask, how long will it take for me to payback the cost of a 10kW solar system. Well this depends on the total out of pocket expense, how much of the power you are consuming, and how much of the power is getting export to the grid. Lets go through an example.
Lets say the your out-of-pocket expense for purchasing and installing a 10kW solar system is $9,000.
Annual Energy Savings:
Your solar system generates an average of 14,000 kWh of electricity per year.
50% of the generated electricity is consumed onsite: 14,000 kWh year × 0.5 = 7,000 kWh year.
The remaining 50% is exported to the grid: 14,000 kWh year × 0.5 = 7,000 kWh year.
For onsite consumption, the annual energy savings would be: 7,000 kWh/year × $0.32 kWh = $2,240 year.
For exported electricity, the revenue generated would be: 7,000 kWh year × $0.08 kWh = $560 year.
Total annual energy savings: $2,240 year + $560 year = $2,800 year.
Payback Period:
Using the formula for payback period:
Payback Period = Out of Pocket Expense / Annual Energy Savings
Payback Period = $9,000 / $2,800 which is approximately 3.2 years
This is typically longer If you were to add a battery with your 10kW solar system. Additionally, government STC incentives, state specific rebates and feed-in tariffs can further enhance your savings. Over the lifespan of the system, typically 25 years or more, the cumulative savings from reduced electricity bills can be significant.
Our Solar Selector Tool recommends the optimal solar system for your needs and estimates annual solar production and savings.
Another useful resource for Australians interested in exploring energy savings options is the ‘Energy Made Easy’ website, an Australian government initiative designed to help consumers compare electricity offers from different retailers. The website offers tools and information to help consumers understand their energy usage, compare energy plans, and find potential savings. Click Here or Visit www.energymadeeasy.gov.au
Or feel free to consult with an Outback Solar representative who can assess your energy needs and provide you with an accurate 10kW Solar System quote.
