30kW Solar System
A 30kW solar system is the ideal solution for small businesses in Australia seeking to cut down their operating expenses and overheads. For businesses, this system size can effectively offset a significant portion of their electricity consumption, leading to substantial cost savings over time. With generous government STC incentives and state based rebates available, investing in solar becomes even more attractive for small businesses, making the 30kW solar system a practical and beneficial choice for Australian business owners. An Outback Solar expert can advise you if a 30kW Solar System is the right system for you.
How many panels makes a 30kW Solar System?
Approximately 69 to 77 solar panels makes a 30kW Solar System assuming the average size solar panel is between 390 Watts to 440 watts. For example, if I am using a 415W solar panel, then I will require 73 solar panels to achieve a minimum system size of 30,00W or 30kW. However, variations may occur based on the solar panels efficiency, dimensions, available roof space, orientation, whether any shading issues are present, and local grid distributor regulations. In 2024, less roof space is required to install a 30kW solar system as opposed to 15 years ago where the average panel size was between 170 – 190 Watts, less than half the average solar panel size in Australia. An Outback Solar Installer will conduct an on-site measure and inspection on your business property to determine how many panels your roof can accommodate. Â
How much does a 30kW Solar System produce?
On average, a 30kW solar system can produce approximately 120-130 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 an entire year, this translates to roughly 43,800-47,450 kWh annually. This level of energy production can power a variety of tools, machinery or equipment used in many small business in Australia. Â
If there happens to be surplus power generated by a 30kW solar system for the times your business happens not to be consuming power, then this is exported back to the grid in Australia. You will get paid for it as a feed-in tariff on your electricity bill and this will lower your business operating expense, further enhancing EBITA.Â
Outback solar understand the concerns many business owners have and is always here to help. Do not hesitate to contact us on 1300 020 130 or enquiry online to discuss further.
Would I require 3-Phase Supply for a 30kW Solar System?
Yes, in Australia, 3 phase supply for a 30kW Solar System or larger is required by your grid network provider as it serves as a more reliable means of distributing the large quantity of power generated by your 30kW solar system. If you are considering getting a 30kW solar system then I would assume your business should already have three phase power supply, if not, you will need to upgrade to ensure your property can accommodate higher loads effectively. It’s important to consult with an Outback Solar installer or electrician to determine if a 30kW solar system could be configured to suit your business property.
What’s the cost of a 30kW Solar System?
The cost of a 30kW solar system depends on the components used such as solar panels, inverters, balance of system, monitoring and battery if required. Other factors that will influence cost include the infrastructure or type of roof, installation complexity, engineering requirements, council policies and work hours permitted. On average, in Australia, the cost of a 30kW solar system for commercial applications can be anywhere from $20,000 to $25,000, excluding the cost of upgrading to 3 phase power supply if your property needs it.Â
Outback solar advises all business owners to take advantage of the current Small-Scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) while its still available. These incentives can significantly reduce the upfront cost of your 30kW solar system. Â
Speak to an Outback Solar Business Expert to learn more about how a 30kW solar system can help lower your operating expense and put savings back into your business.Â
How many batteries do I need for a 30kw Solar System?
Most small businesses that operate during the day don’t require battery storage with their 30kW solar system. However if your business does happen to consume electricity in the night time, then getting a 30kW solar system with batteries could be a great idea. This setup allows you to store your excess solar energy generated throughout the day and store it to be used when the sun is not shining.
Lets say your business does happen to require batteries as you have high night time usage and you would like to know how many batteries you will need, and you choose the Tesla Powerwall battery as your ideal choice of battery, here’s an example of how many batteries you might need to go with your 30kW solar system:
Each Tesla Powerwall has a usable capacity of approximately 13.5 kWh.
Let’s say you want to have some backup power during grid outages and to maximize self-consumption of solar energy. You estimate that you need about 40 kWh of energy storage capacity.
Since each Tesla Powerwall has a capacity of 13.5 kWh, you would need, 40/13.5 = 3 Tesla Powerwall batteries to ties in with your 30kW Business Solar System. Â
Talk to an Outback Solar Business Consultant to help assess your energy consumption requirements and design a 30kW Solar System or a 30kW Solar System powered with Batteries.
What is the ROI or payback period for a 30kW Solar System?
The Return on Investment (ROI) for a 30kW solar system can vary based on factors such as installation costs, your businesses electricity rates, usage of the solar generated and solar panel efficiency. Generally, businesses can expect to see a ROI within 3 to 5 years, although this timeframe can be shorter with paying the right price. After the initial payback period, the 30kW solar system continues to generate electricity for many years, providing ongoing savings and potentially increasing return on investment over time.
To give you an scenario: lets say you decide to purchase a 30kW solar system from Outback Solar for $22,000 and you spend 34 cents per kWh on your electricity bill for your business and your electricity retailer provides a feed-in-tariff of 6 cents. This will be calculated as follow:
Annual Energy Savings:
Your solar system generates an average of 43,000 kWh of electricity per year.
Conservatively 35% of the generated electricity is consumed onsite: 43,000 kWh year × 0.35 = 15,050 kWh year.
The remaining 65% is exported to the grid: 43,000 kWh year × 0.65 = 27,950 kWh year.
For onsite consumption, the yearly energy savings would be: 15,050 kWh/year × $0.34 kWh = $5,117 year.
For exported electricity, the revenue generated would be: 27,950 kWh year × $0.06 kWh = $1,677 year.
Total yearly energy savings: $5,117 year + $1,677 year = $6,794 year.
Payback Period:
Using the formula for payback period:
Payback Period = Purchase Price / Yearly Energy Savings
Payback Period = $22,000 / $6,794 which is approximately 3.23 years
Your payback period can take longer If you were to add batteries with your 30kW solar system. Getting a competitive quote from Outback Solar will always make your savings even better. Over the lifespan of the system, typically 25 years plus, the cumulative savings from reduced electricity bills can be great.
Our Solar Calculator recommends the ideal solar system for your needs and estimates annual solar production and savings.
A 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 electricity 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 speak with an Outback Solar Business Expert who can assess the electricity bill and business property to provide you with an accurate 30kW Solar System Proposal.
