Solar panels can significantly offset your energy costs, and in some cases may even provide all the energy you need for your home or business.
This Canstar Blue guide looks at how many panels a 1.5kW solar system requires and how much electricity it is capable of producing. This article will also explore a 1.5kW off grid solar system and how much you can expect to pay for both models.
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What is a 1.5kW solar system?
A 1.5kW solar system is one of the smallest solar systems available on the Australian market. As solar technology expands, larger solar systems are becoming more accessible and more popular, however the 1.5kW solar system can still be beneficial for smaller households or families with a tighter budget.
Compare solar plans and prices
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 3900kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4600kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on SA Power network in Adelaide but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
How much power does a 1.5kW system produce?
A solar system’s size is determined by its power output, which is measured in kilowatts (kW) and kilowatt hours (kWh).
Many factors can affect the energy production of a solar system, but as an average, the output of a 1.5kW solar system in Australia is 6.15kWh, according to Solar Choice.
However, there are multiple factors that will determine how much electricity is generated from a solar panel throughout the day, or over the course of a year.
Three contributing factors to consider when determining a solar system’s productivity are:
- Climate and location: The sunnier the local climate, the better your panels will work and the more energy they can generate. Cloudy days will negatively impact the potential energy production in a 1.5kW solar system.
- Roof space and positioning: Ideally, your panels should be installed in a position that gives them the most exposure to sunlight, without being blocked by obstacles such as buildings or trees.
- Solar panel make and model: The efficiency of your panels will also depend on their make and model, as well as the degradation rate.
By taking these factors into account, you can ensure that your solar system will produce enough energy to power your home.
1.5kW solar system price
Solar Quotes claims that a customer will likely pay between $2,500 and $4,000 for a 1.5kW solar system, after solar rebates. However, upgrading to a 6.6kW solar system (a system with four times the capacity) is only twice the price of a 1.5kW system. This is why it’s important to compare different sized systems as well as price while you shop around for a solar system suitable for your household’s needs.
As for the payback period for a 1.5kW system – or the amount of time it takes to earn back the purchase and installation costs of your system – Solar Choice estimates it’s around six years for households at 70% self-consumption. If you’re using 100% of your system’s generated electricity, it’s as little as three years.
How many solar panels in a 1.5kW system?
According to Solar Quotes, a 1.5kW solar system will require six 250 watt panels. Though with the advancement of solar panel technology, modern 1.5kw solar systems are usually comprised of three of four panels each with a 415w capacity. Because of this, modern systems are larger and more efficient.
1.5kW off grid solar system
Off grid solar systems are an alternative model of solar system, and run completely independently from the electricity grid. Combined with a solar battery, an off grid solar system also allows users access to electricity during blackouts. Off grid solar systems can be self-installed with the electrical assistance of a qualified electrician. However, without access to the electricity grid, customers can be at a disadvantage on cloudy days and at night.
A 1.5kW off grid solar system will be more expensive than a standard solar system. For example, EcoCool currently has a 1.5kW off grid solar system with a 2KVA inverter and 4.8kWh battery on sale for $8,475, which is approximately double what you would pay for a standard solar system.
Should I buy a 1.5kW solar system?
The suitability of a 1.5kW solar system will come down to your personal circumstances. A 1.5kW system is still an investment, especially based on its smaller size: so for homes with the extra space and a little more cash, it may be a better move to jump straight to a bigger-sized system to maximise your potential returns.
Whatever you decide, do your research, speak to the professionals and ask as many questions as you need to. Finally, Canstar Blue has listed the best solar electricity providers, which you can check out by clicking the button below.
Compare Solar Energy Providers
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