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.
6kW and 6.6kW solar systems are two of the most popular sizes in Australia. 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 6kW or 6.6kW system is right for you.
On this page:
- How many panels in a 6.6kW solar system?
- How many kWh does a 6.6kW solar system produce per day?
- 6kW solar system and 6.6kW solar system prices
- How much will a 6.6kW solar system save me?
- How long before 6kW and 6.6kW solar systems pay for themselves?
- How much is a 6.6kW solar system with battery?
- Should you get a 6.6kW solar system?
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How many panels in a 6.6kW solar system?
A solar system’s size is determined by its power output, which is measured in kilowatts (kW) and kilowatt hours (kWh).
A modern 6.6kW solar system using 330W to 400W will consist of 17-20 solar panels, according to Solar Choice. However, the number of panels in a 6.6kW system will vary depending on the make, model and efficiency of the solar panels, as well as the climate conditions in your specific location.
6.6kW solar systems are one of the most common solar panel sizes for home installations in Australia. This is because they generate enough electricity to meet the needs of a typical home. Not only are these sized systems efficient, a 6.6kW solar system is often one of the more affordable options for homeowners, especially if there are any available solar rebates.
How many kWh does a 6.6kW solar system produce per day?
On average, a 6.6kW solar system will produce about 22 to 26 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per day. This equates to approximately 8,000 to 9,500kWh of usable energy per year, which is on par with what the average home in Australia uses. 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: You’ll need to consider your local climate to determine how much energy a 6.6kW system can produce. Solar panels work best in sunny conditions, so if you live in an area with frequent cloudy days, you may not get as much energy production from your system.
- Roof space and positioning: The positioning of your roof is important as solar panels need to be installed in a direction that maximises the amount of sunlight they receive. You’ll also need to ensure your panels aren’t obscured by nearby trees or other structures.
- Solar panel make and model: Solar panel efficiency will play a big part as to how much energy they can create. Solar technology continues to progress, but you should research the make, model, efficiency specs and degradation rate before settling on a particular solar panel type.
By taking these factors into account, you can ensure that your solar system will produce enough energy to power your home.
6kW solar system and 6.6kW solar system prices
Solar Quotes estimates that the average cost for a 6kW solar system in Australia is currently between $5,200 – $8,700, including any solar subsidies and depending on installation specifics and individual components. If you’re considering adding extra panels and buying a 6.6kW system, that price increases to between $5,500 and $9,000.
According to a Canstar Blue survey conducted between March and September 2024, the average cost of solar panels in Australia was $5,111. So opting for a 6.6kW or 6.6kW will typically cost you, at minimum, a little over the Australian average in 2024.
The upfront price of solar seem 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, especially as more Australians opt for cleaner and greener energy.
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How much will a 6.6kW solar system save me?
There are many variables to determine how much money a 6.6kW solar system will save you. However, given its general output capacity, this size of this solar system can easily cover the annual energy needs of a typical Australian household.
Because 6.6kW solar systems have a reasonable upfront cost, they typically pay for themselves over a shorter period of time. Not only that, but they also continue to generate electricity for many years after the buyback period, providing an excellent return on investment.
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 long before 6kW and 6.6kW solar systems pay for themselves?
According to Solar Quotes, a 6kW solar system with 14 panels producing 24.0kWh with an original cost of $6,000 will take 4 years and 11 months to pay back. Using the same calculations, payback will take five years for a 6.6kW solar system comprised of 15 panels, producing 26.4kWh with an overall system cost of $6,600.
These estimates will depend on multiple factors, such as where your home is located, how much energy your household consumes, the solar feed-in tariff you’re on and the rebates available in your area. The cost of your preferred solar installer will also make a difference to your payback period.
That’s why it’s so important to discuss your personal situation with your solar panel installer as they should be able to provide you with a general payback period on your investment. It’s best to explore multiple options and receive at least three quotes. Most solar installers will give you a general idea of upfront costs, that way you can best decide whether a 6kW or 6.6kW solar system is best for your circumstances.
How much is a 6.6kW solar system with battery?
A Canstar Blue survey conducted between March and September 2024 revealed that the average cost of a solar battery is $5,516. However, according to Solar Quotes the most popular brands and models can cost between $11,000 and $15,500, including installation.
The overall price will depend on the brand of battery you go with, and the complexity of the installation. It will also depend on the battery size. For low to medium energy users, battery with 10kWh to 13.5kWh will typically be enough to store excess energy created by a 6.6kWh solar system, says Solar Choice.
Should you get a 6.6kW solar system?
Both 6kW and 6.6kW solar panel systems are a great way to save money on your annual energy costs. But before you install a solar system, there are a few things you need to consider.
First of all, you need to make sure that your roof can support the weight of the panels 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.
Once you’ve made the decision to invest in solar, then it’s time to work out the cost of installation and maintenance. Solar panels can be expensive, so you need to ensure you can afford the upfront cost. That being said, solar panels are usually a great investment, especially for homeowners who have a long-term outlook for their property.
Investing in either a 6kW or 6.6 kW 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. Finally, Canstar Blue has listed the best solar electricity providers, which you can check out by clicking the button below.
Compare Solar Energy Providers
Original reporting by Jared Mullane
Image Source: bombermoon/Shutterstock.com
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