Solar panels are an increasingly popular choice for those looking to generate their own power, as they offer a very low cost per kW. With prices for solar panels falling rapidly in recent years, they are now a very affordable option for many homeowners and businesses.
The average cost of solar panels in NSW is around $0.50 per watt, and the average solar panel produces around 1 kilowatt of power, so the cost of a solar panel is around $500. The average home uses about 10,000 kilowatts of power per year, so the cost of a solar panel would be about $5,000 per year. That’s less than the cost of your monthly electric bill, and it’s less than the cost of a new car payment.
Solar panels work by converting sunlight into electricity, making them a clean and renewable energy source. They are also relatively easy to install and maintain, making them a great option for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint.
Types of Solar PV Systems
There are three main types of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems: grid-connected, off-grid, and hybrid.
- Grid-connected systems are connected to the public electricity grid. They are the most common type of solar PV system and are often used in commercial and industrial applications.
- Off-grid systems are not connected to the public electricity grid. They are often used in remote locations where it is not practical to connect to the grid.
- Hybrid systems are a combination of grid-connected and off-grid systems. They are often used in applications where it is desirable to have a backup power supply in case of grid failure. Hybrid systems are connected to the utility grid but also have battery backup, allowing you to continue generating electricity during a power outage.
Sizes of Solar PV System
The size of a solar photovoltaic (PV) system is one of the most important factors to consider when installing solar panels. The size of the system will determine the amount of electricity that can be generated, and the system must be sized correctly to meet the electricity needs of the home or business.
There are a number of factors to consider when sizing a solar PV system correctly.
Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems come in a range of sizes to suit different homes and businesses. The size of the system will depend on a number of factors, including the amount of electricity you want to generate, the amount of available space, and your budget.
A typical home PV system might be between 3kW and 6kW, while a commercial system could be anything from 50kW to 1MW. The larger the system, the more electricity it will generate.
If you are not sure what size system you need at the moment or in the long run, you can use a solar PV calculator to work out an estimate. This will give you a good idea of the initial investment required, as well as the expected return on investment.