Solar panels can significantly offset your energy costs, and in some cases may even provide all the power you need for your home or business.
12kW solar systems are generally used for commercial purposes, but can be suitable for larger families with substantial roof space who use 45kWh a day. This Canstar Blue guide looks at how many panels these systems require and how much electricity they are capable of producing.
We’ll also explore how much you can expect to pay for solar systems of either size, plus uncover some other important information that’ll help you decide whether a 12kW system is right for you.
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How many solar panels in a 12kW system?
A solar system’s size is determined by its power output, which is measured in kilowatts (kW) and kilowatt hours (kWh).
The amount of solar panels that a modern 12kW solar system has will depend on the wattage of each panel. Go Solar Quotes claims that a 12kW solar system can be comprised of various sized panels, anywhere from 240 watts to 335 watts. For example, a solar system using 240w solar panels would need 50 to create a 12kW system.
Ultimately, the number of panels in a 12kW system will vary depending on the make, model and efficiency of the solar panels, as well as the climate conditions in your specific location.
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.
12kW solar system size
As previously mentioned, the amount of solar panels in a 12kW solar system will depend on the wattage of the panels. But Sungain Solar suggest that you will need approximately 75 square metres of roof space for a 12kW solar system. If you are looking to install a 12kW solar system but have limited roof space, you can instead look at systems with higher power output, which would mean your system would require fewer panels.
Before you deal with installing a solar system, there are a few other things that you need to consider. Ensure that your roof can support the weight of the system and that your home gets enough sunlight. If you live in an area with a lot of trees or other buildings, you might not get enough sun to make solar a good investment.
How much does a 12kW solar system produce per day?
Solar Proof claims that on average, a 12kW solar system will produce between 42kWh (Tasmania) to 52.80kWh (Western Australia and the Northern Territory) of electricity per day. This equates to approximately 15,330kWh to 19,272kWh of usable energy per year. 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.
Here are three contributing factors you’ll need to consider when determining how much electricity a solar system of this size can produce:
- Climate and location: Solar panels are their most efficient in areas and climate with direct sunlight, which is why they’re so popular in Australia! However, if your local climate is on the cloudier side, you may see a drop in panel output.
- Roof space and positioning: The position of panels on your roof is important for maximising the amount of sunlight they’ll be exposed to. Your solar installer can help find the right position and angle to ensure your panels perform.
- Solar panel make and model: Make sure to research the make, model, efficiency specs and degradation rate of the panels you’re comparing before making your purchase.
12kW solar system price Australia
Go Solar Quotes says that a 12kW solar system will cost anywhere between $13,000 to $18,000, with a payback period of three to six years. Cost and payback time will all depend on which solar panels you choose and how much electricity your household consumes.
The upfront price of solar seems high, but consider the long-term benefits, such as subsidising your energy bills over an extended period of time. Installing solar is a great investment for the future and will likely increase the value of your home, and may be more affordable with the use of the government’s available solar rebates.
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12kW off grid solar system
Installing an off grid solar system will allow you to generate, store and use electricity completely independently from the grid. It’s an option to consider if your goal is energy independence, but going off grid doesn’t come cheap.
Unfortunately, a 12kW off grid solar system will be considerably more expensive than a standard solar system, especially with any add-ons. For example, at the time of publication EcoCool has a 12kW off grid solar system with a 15KVA inverter and 50kWh gel battery available for $43,202. This is more than double what you would pay for a standard 12kW solar system.
Should I buy an 12kW solar system?
12kW solar systems are best suited to homes that use a lot of electricity, and that have enough roof space to support the panels. If you have a larger family and the energy consumption levels to match – so around 45kWh per day or more – a 12kW system may help to reduce your power costs once installed.
Investing in any sized solar system will come down to your personal situation, so do your research, speak to the professionals and ask as many questions as you need to. 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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