1. Is a 10KW solar system right for your home?
The increase in household appliances and the decrease in the cost of solar systems have driven more families to install high power solar systems to power their homes.10KW solar system has become a point of interest. But before installing it, we also need to consider whether it is suitable for our home.
1.1 How much does a 10KW solar system cost?
Assuming an off-grid system. For a 10KW solar system, it has the option to install 18 to 20 units 550KW solar panels, each 550W solar panel is about $72, so 19 solar panels is about $1,368. When installing the solar system, you also need to use the PV panel bracket, solar batteries, connectors and related tools, PV cables, battery cables, circuit breakers, and a 10KW solar inverter, which tallies about 4,103 for the U.S. dollars, which adds up to about $5,472.
This does not include installation costs. However, by installing a solar system, you will be given incentives locally, which will alleviate some of the cost. Even so, it does amount to a significant amount, so careful consideration needs to be given to whether you can afford it before installing it.
1.2 How much roof area do I need for 10KW solar panels?
Assuming that a 550W solar panel measures 2279mm*1134mm, the roof area occupied by 19 such panels is about 935 square meters. Do you really have enough free roof area to accommodate that many solar panels? Assuming it can be accommodated, but as we know, when installing a solar system, you also need to consider the proper mounting location and layout, which will expand the area required.
However, if you want to install it on the ground, that is indeed possible.
1.3 How much electricity does a 10KW solar system produce per month?
The amount of electricity generated per month is also affected by the environment and the region. 10KW solar system generates about 1000~1700KWh of electricity per month. For a normal family, the monthly electricity consumption is about 300KWh~800KWh, so a 10KW solar system is absolutely sufficient for a normal family.
To sum up, when we consider whether to install a 10KW solar system, we need to prioritize three factors: capital, occupied roof area, and the power that can be generated by a 10KW solar system.
2. When installing a 10KW solar system, what system should I choose?
For most families, 10KW is absolutely sufficient, and there will even be quite a bit left over. So should we choose a grid-connected, off-grid or hybrid system for installation?
2.1 10kw Grid-tied system: In a day, a 10KW solar system can have quite a bit of power left over. If you choose to install a grid-connected solar system, then the excess power resources will be delivered to the city grid company and your electricity will be sold to the grid company. But when it is cloudy or at night, you will again have to get electricity from the grid company for your household needs, so we will also have to pay for the electricity accordingly.
2.2 10kw Off-grid systems: Off-grid systems do not send excess power to the grid company, they store the surplus power in the battery for the night and cloudy days. 10KW of solar power generates enough power resources that when you fully charge your battery, there may still be surplus power, and then the solar system automatically reduces the voltage in order to prevent damage to the entire solar system. Thus, the excess power is wasted.
This, however, may take us off the city grid entirely. This way, there is no need to pay for electricity.
2.3 10kw Hybrid System: In a hybrid grid system, you can not only send the excess power of the day to the grid company, but you can also utilize the power stored in the batteries to power your home on cloudy days and at night. In this way, you are making the most of every kilowatt-hour, and you may also be able to get off the grid company. At the same time, the inverter for this system is a little more expensive than the inverter for the off-grid system because it can send the excess power to the grid company.
3. What type of system is suitable for your home when installing a 10KW solar system?
If your home uses less electricity, you can choose to install a grid-tied solar system. This way the surplus electricity will be sent to the grid company instead of being wasted and will offset part of your electricity bill.
If you want to go off the grid, then you can choose an off-grid or hybrid solar system. In contrast, although the inverter in a hybrid system is more expensive than an off-grid system, you have enough money to install a 10KW solar system, so what’s the point of paying a little extra? So a hybrid system will be a little better unless you are sure that you can fully utilize the power generated by the solar energy.
4. How long does it take for a 10KW solar panel to pay for itself?
The algorithms for different solar systems are completely different, now take the off-grid system as an example, rough calculation.
Assuming that your monthly electricity consumption is 500KWh, then the 10KW solar system will almost cover your electricity bill for the month, unless your battery is also depleted. Assuming that this is not the case, then there is no electricity bill for the month. Counting the subsidies you get from local incentives, and assuming $0.10 per kWh, that’s a savings of $50 per month, which pays for itself in about 6 to 10 years.
5. Is a 10KW solar system worth it?
Based on experience, a 10KW solar system is still worthwhile. The increase and upgrading of various electrical appliances puts pressure on our electricity bill. Installing a higher power solar system can help us solve this problem. Although it has a larger upfront cost, they all probably pay for themselves in 6 to 12 years.
People’s environmental awareness is gradually increasing, and as a renewable energy source solar energy will continue to provide convenience and economic benefits to our lives and bring security to the green environment for a long time to come.
