Solar power is one of the most popular and affordable sources of renewable energy in the world. It can help you reduce your electricity bills, lower your carbon footprint, and increase your property value. But how do you choose the right solar system for your home or business? How much does it cost, how much energy does it produce, and how big is it?
In this article, we will answer these questions and more by focusing on one of the most powerful and efficient solar systems available: the 13kW solar system.
What is a 13kW Solar System?
A 13kW solar system is a grid-connected solar power system that consists of 13 kilowatts (kW) of solar panels and a solar inverter. A solar panel is a device that converts sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity, while a solar inverter is a device that converts DC electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity that can be used by your appliances and devices.
A 13kW solar system typically has 39 solar panels, each with a power rating of 330 watts (W). The size of each panel is about 1.7 square meters, so the total roof space required for a 13kW solar system is about 66.3 square meters. However, this may vary depending on the type and brand of the panels, the orientation and tilt of the roof, and the presence of any shading or obstructions.
How Much Does a 13kW Solar System Cost?
The cost of a 13kW solar system depends on several factors, such as;
- The quality and efficiency of the panels and the inverter
- The installation and labor costs
- The location and size of the property
- The availability of any rebates or incentives.
The average cost of a 13kW solar system in Australia ranges from $15,000 to $25,000, before any discounts or subsidies .
One of the main benefits of installing a 13kW solar system is that you can take advantage of the federal government’s Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), which offers a generous solar rebate for eligible households and businesses. The solar rebate is based on the number of small-scale technology certificates (STCs) that your system can generate, which depends on the size and location of your system. As of April 2023, the value of one STC is about $38.
A 13kW solar system can generate between 390 and 507 STCs, depending on the zone where you live . This means that you can get a solar rebate of between $14,820 and $19,266, which can significantly reduce the upfront cost of your system. However, the solar rebate is gradually decreasing every year, so the sooner you install your system, the more you can save.
How Much Energy Does a 13kW Solar System Produce?
The amount of energy that a 13kW solar system can produce depends on several factors, such as
- The amount and intensity of sunlight
- The orientation and tilt of the panels
- The temperature and weather conditions
- The efficiency and performance of the system.
The average daily output of a 13kW solar system in Australia ranges from 45 to 65 kilowatt-hours (kWh), depending on the location and season .
To put this into perspective, the average Australian household consumes about 18 kWh of electricity per day. This means that a 13kW solar system can produce enough energy to power two to three households, or a small to medium-sized business. However, this also depends on your energy consumption patterns, such as when and how much electricity you use, and whether you have any energy-efficient appliances or devices.
How Much Money Can You Save with a 13kW Solar System?
The amount of money that you can save with a 13kW solar system depends on several factors, such as;
- The cost of your system
- The amount of energy that you produce and consume
- The price of electricity in your area
The feed-in tariff (FIT) that you receive for exporting excess solar power to the grid. A feed-in tariff is a rate that your electricity retailer pays you for every kWh of solar power that you export to the grid, which can help you reduce your electricity bills.
To estimate how much money you can save with a 13kW solar system, you can use the following formula:
Annual savings = (Annual solar production x Self-consumption rate x Electricity price) + (Annual solar production x Export rate x Feed-in tariff) – (Annual system cost / System lifespan)
For example, let’s assume that you live in Sydney, where the average annual solar production of a 13kW solar system is 18,250 kWh, the average electricity price is 25 cents per kWh, the average feed-in tariff is 10 cents per kWh, the average system cost is $20,000, and the average system lifespan is 25 years. Let’s also assume that you have a self-consumption rate of 50%, which means that you use half of the solar power that you produce, and an export rate of 50%, which means that you export the other half to the grid. Using the formula above, we can calculate that your annual savings are:
Annual savings = (18,250 × 0.5 × 0.25) + (18,250 × 0.5 × 0.1) – (20,000 / 25)
Annual savings = $2,281.25 + $912.5 — $800
Annual savings = $2,393.75
This means that you can save about $2,393.75 per year with a 13kW solar system in Sydney, which is equivalent to about $199.48 per month. However, this is just an example, and your actual savings may vary depending on your specific situation and circumstances.
Is a 13kW Solar System Right for You?
A 13kW solar system is a great option for anyone who wants to generate a large amount of clean and renewable energy, and save money on their electricity bills. However, before you decide to install a 13kW solar system, you should consider the following factors:
1. Your energy needs and consumption patterns
A 13kW solar system is ideal for households or businesses that have a high and consistent electricity demand, especially during the day when the sun is shining. If you have a low or variable electricity demand, or if you use most of your electricity at night, you may not be able to use or export all the solar power that you produce, which may reduce your savings and return on investment.
2. Your roof space and suitability
A 13kW solar system requires a large and unshaded roof area that can accommodate 39 solar panels. You should also check the orientation and tilt of your roof, as these affect the amount of sunlight that your panels can receive. Ideally, your roof should face north, or east or west, and have a tilt angle of between 15 and 30 degrees .
3. Your budget and financing options
A 13kW solar system is a significant investment that can cost between $15,000 and $25,000, before any rebates or incentives. You should also factor in the ongoing costs of maintenance and repairs, as well as the potential costs of adding a solar battery or upgrading your system in the future. You should compare different quotes and financing options from reputable solar installers and lenders, and make sure that you can afford the upfront and long-term costs of your system.
4. Your environmental impact and goals
A 13kW solar system is a powerful and efficient way to reduce your greenhouse gas emissions and your reliance on fossil fuels. By installing a 13kW solar system, you can avoid emitting about 16.8 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year, which is equivalent to planting 378 trees or taking 7 cars off the road. You can also support the growth and development of the renewable energy industry and the green economy in Australia and around the world.
How to Get Started with a 13kW Solar System?
If you are interested in installing a 13kW solar system, the first step is to get a free and personalized solar quote from a trusted and experienced solar installer. A solar quote will provide you with the following information:
- The design and specifications of your 13kW solar system, including the number, type, and brand of the panels and the inverter, the layout and configuration of the system, and the estimated output and performance of the system.
- The cost and savings of your 13kW solar system, including the upfront and ongoing costs of the system, the amount of energy that you can produce and consume, the price of electricity and the feed-in tariff in your area, and the estimated payback period and return on investment of the system.
- The eligibility and availability of any rebates or incentives for your 13kW solar system, including the federal government’s solar rebate, the state, or territory’s solar bonus schemes, and any other grants or discounts that you can apply for.
- The installation and maintenance process of your 13kW solar system, including the timeline and requirements of the installation, the warranty, and guarantee of the system, the safety and quality standards of the system, and the recommended frequency and methods of cleaning and servicing the system.
A solar quote will help you compare different options and offers from various solar installers, and choose the best one for your needs and preferences. You can also ask any questions or concerns that you may have about your 13kW solar system, and get professional and honest advice from the solar installer.
Conclusion
A 13kW solar system is a powerful and efficient solar power system that can provide you with many benefits, such as:
- Saving money on your electricity bills and earning money from the feed-in tariff
- Reducing your greenhouse gas emissions and your reliance on fossil fuels
- Increasing your property value and your energy independence
- Supporting the renewable energy industry and the green economy
However, before you install a 13kW solar system, you should consider your energy needs and consumption patterns, your roof space and suitability, your budget and financing options, and your environmental impact and goals. You should also get a free and personalized solar quote from a trusted and experienced solar installer, who can help you design and install the best 13kW solar system for your home or business.