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Harnessing the power of the sun is becoming increasingly popular, and for a good reason. With abundant sunshine and a growing focus on renewable energy, solar panels in Australia are a viable option for many homeowners looking to reduce their electricity bills and environmental impact.
An 8kW solar panel system, also known as an 8-kilowatt system, is popular for Australian households. But is it the right choice for you? This article will delve into the key aspects of Australia’s 8kW combined output solar panels, including their benefits, suitability, and what to consider before installation.
Understanding 8kW solar panel system
An 8kW system consists of multiple solar panels, typically ranging from 20 to 24 individual panels, each generating around 330 to 400 watts of power. The combined capacity of these panels adds up to 8,000 watts, hence the designation “8kW.”
It’s important to remember that the wattage output of a solar panel system doesn’t directly translate to the amount of electricity it generates. Various factors, including sunlight exposure, weather conditions, and panel efficiency, affect the overall energy production.
How much roof space and solar panels are required for an 8kW solar system?
The typical 8kW solar energy installation has 21–28 solar PV panels, each roughly 1.6 m by 1 m. Hence, the appropriate roof size is between 34 and 45 square metres.
The need to purchase high-quality solar panels increases with system size. High-quality panels guarantee that your system will operate with maximum reliability, output in various weather situations, and usable lifespan.
Access to roof space is another factor. By switching from regular 300W panels to high-efficiency 370W or 400W solar panels, you can produce more energy with fewer panels and less space.
Check out our page to learn more about solar panel sizes and wattage.
What is the cost of an 8kW solar system?
A system with 8kW of capacity ranges in cost from $7,500 to $11,000. It’s critical to consider the component quality. You can get a system for less money, but it might cost you more in the long term.
How much solar power can an 8kW solar system produce?
The 8kW solar PV system generates an average of 32kW per day. However, like all solar systems, the actual power output depends on variables such as:
- Issues with shading
- Climate and location
- Roof angle (tilt angle and orientation of the solar panels)
- Sunlight intensity – as solar panels heat up, they produce less power
- Performance of the system’s components
- Quality and size of the solar system’s inverter
8kW solar panel system output
- Rating: 8kW
- Number of Panels: 22 × 370W
- Output: 32 kWh/day, average
- Potential savings: $700-$850 per billing cycle
- Average payback period: 3-5 years
- Cost: ~$7500 to ~$11000
- Finance repayments: around $200 a month (5-year term)
Which type of solar battery is required for an 8kW system?
With your 8 kW system, selecting the appropriate solar battery will let you store extra energy produced by the solar panels throughout the day to be used later on when needed (e.g. during the evening or at night).
A solar battery may also increase the overall effectiveness of your solar system by reducing the strain on your inverter.
A solar battery may enable you to utilise more of the energy produced by your solar system, which could result in financial savings depending on your unique needs and circumstances.
Use our easy-to-use solar power and battery storage calculator to determine the size of your solar system with storage! Our solar calculator will generate performance information and potential savings.
We can send this information to 3 of our pre-vetted and trusted local installers in your area to receive obligation-free solar quotes.
8kW inverter system
The solar panels in the middle of a large household solar array can get unbearably hot in the summer. This is due to the under-panel air flow being negatively impacted and less than required for optimum performance.
The output is drastically decreased when panels overheat. Check out our page to learn about the best solar inverters in Australia.
Government rebates and incentives
The Australian government offers various incentives to encourage solar panel installation, including:
- Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (STCs): Reduce the upfront cost of your system by approximately 30%.
- Feed-in Tariffs (FiTs): Earn credits for excess solar energy exported to the grid.
- State-based rebates and grants: Check with local governments for additional financial support programs.
Read more about:
- Home Solar Rebates, Incentives & Subsidies In Australia
- Solar power incentives, loans & rebates for small business
- Solar Battery System Rebates, Subsidies, & Incentives
- Australian Solar Feed-in Tariffs Information
- Solar Feed-in Tariff Comparison: Best Tariffs by State and Territory
- Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) information
- Large-Scale Generation Certificates (LGCs)
Benefits of 8000 Watt (8kW) solar panels
There are several advantages to choosing an 8kW solar panel system for your Australian home:
- Higher efficiency: Modern 8kW solar panels boast efficiencies ranging from 20.5% to 23.5%, meaning they convert a greater portion of sunlight into usable electricity. This translates to increased power generation, maximising your return on investment.
- Higher power output: Compared to smaller systems, an 8kW system generates more electricity, effectively offsetting a larger portion of your household’s energy consumption. This is particularly beneficial for homes with higher electricity usage or those planning for future increases in usage, such as electric vehicle charging.
- Reduced system costs: While the upfront cost of an 8kW system is naturally higher than smaller systems, it’s important to consider the cost per watt. Due to economies of scale, the cost per watt for an 8kW system is often lower than for smaller systems. Additionally, fewer panels are needed to achieve the desired system size, leading to reduced installation costs associated with labour and materials.
- Suitable for large homes: 8kW systems are ideal for larger Australian homes with multiple occupants or high energy demands due to appliances, air conditioning, or swimming pools. They can significantly reduce reliance on grid-supplied electricity, leading to substantial cost savings.
- Long lifespan: High-quality 8kW solar panel systems come with a lifespan of 25 years or more, guaranteed to produce power at a specified minimum output for extended periods. This ensures a long-term return on your investment and minimises replacement costs.
Is an 8kW solar system the right size for me?
Depending on your daily power requirements, an 8kW solar system may or may not be your best option.
An 8kW solar system is ideal if you live in a large home and use 35 to 40kWh of energy each day.
Also, if you own a small business and use between 30.8 and 48.3kWh per day on average, installing an 8kW solar system will help you save money on your electricity costs.
How to install 8000-watt solar panels?
Installing 8000-watt solar panels in Australia requires some planning and preparation.
- You need to assess your energy needs and determine how many panels you require. This will depend on your property’s size, energy consumption, and budget.
- You must choose a reputable solar installer to design and install your system. Choosing an installer with experience with high-capacity systems is important and can provide references and warranties.
- Once you have selected your installer, they will assess your property and determine the best location for the panels. This will typically involve mounting the panels on the roof or in a nearby location that receives ample sunlight. They will also install an inverter to convert the DC power generated by the panels into AC power that your household or business can use.
Ready to go solar? Get an instant assessment
To find out how much a solar system with storage or even an EV charger will cost, try our easy-to-use solar power and battery storage calculator! Our solar calculator will generate performance data as well as possible cost savings.
We can forward your information to 3 trusted local installers in your area to obtain free, no-obligation solar quotes.
Find out how much you can expect to pay for solar
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*Prices quoted are to be used as a guide only and do not factor in state and other rebates and incentives. Includes STC discount.
