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.
On this page:
Advertisement
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.
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, says 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: You’ll need to consider your local climate. 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 be detrimental 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.
1.5kw solar system price
Solar Quotes claim that a customer will likely pay between $2,500 and $4,000 for a 1.5kw solar system, after the rebate. Though upgrading to a 6.6kw solar system (a system with four times the capacity) is only twice the price of a 1.5kw system. It is important to compare different sized systems as well as price while you shop around for a solar system suitable for your household’s needs.
How many solar panels in a 1.5kw system?
According to Solar Quotes, a 1.5kw solar system will require six x 250w 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. Off grid systems can be self-installed with the electrical assistance of a qualified electrician and runs independently from the electricity grid. Off grid systems, along with a solar battery, allow users access to electricity during blackouts. 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 has a 1.5kw off grid solar system with a 2KVA inverter and 4.8kWh battery for $8,475, which is approximately double what you would pay for a standard solar system.
Investing in a 1.5kw solar system will come down to your personal circumstances, 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
Share this article