In the landscape of renewable energy in Australia, solar power stands out as a key player in driving the shift towards sustainable living. Among the various options available, the 6.6kW solar system has emerged as a popular choice for Australian homes. This blog post delves into the reasons behind its suitability, including efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and its perfect alignment with Australian energy needs.
Understanding the 6.6kW Solar System
A 6.6kW solar system typically comprises about 20 solar panels, assuming an average panel produces around 330 watts. This system size is crafted to meet the energy demands of a medium-sized Australian household efficiently. It strikes a balance between performance and affordability, making it an attractive option for homeowners looking to reduce their electricity bills and carbon footprint.
Efficiency: The Sweet Spot for Australian Homes
The efficiency of a solar system is a measure of how effectively it converts sunlight into electricity. A 6.6kW solar system is particularly well-suited to the Australian climate, offering enough capacity to generate more power than the average household consumes in a day. This surplus energy can either be stored in batteries for later use or sold back to the grid, providing additional savings or income.
Moreover, the efficiency of solar panels has significantly improved over the years. The 6.6kW systems installed today are more efficient than those installed just a few years ago, making them an even more attractive investment.
A Crucial Insight on Inverters for 6kW/6.6kW Solar Systems
Is the 6.6kW Setup Becoming the Standard, Replacing the 5kW System?
It’s common to find that a 6.6kW solar panel array is paired with a 5kW inverter. This might come as a surprise, but there’s a logical explanation. The 5kW solar systems have gained widespread popularity in Australia for several reasons, one of which is their almost universal pre-approval for connection to the grid across various networks, making 5kW inverters more readily available than their 6kW counterparts. Consequently, many 6.6kW solar installations are effectively ‘overclocked’ systems utilizing a 5kW inverter.
Under the guidelines set by the Clean Energy Council, a 5kW inverter can safely be overclocked up to 33% to handle 6.6kW, though it cannot stretch to 7kW, which would necessitate a larger inverter. This arrangement allows for increased solar energy collection during the early morning and late afternoon, despite the fact that peak production may be limited to 5kW during the midday peak sun hours.
Cost Considerations: A Personal Perspective
The cost of installing a solar system is a significant factor for any family. The 6.6kW system stands out as a cost-effective solution that doesn’t compromise on performance. Its initial investment is manageable for a typical Australian household, and the return on investment is swift thanks to the substantial savings on energy bills. For our family, choosing a 6.6kW system meant we could make the shift to solar without breaking the bank, and we started seeing the financial benefits within the first few billing cycles.
6.6kW solar system costs by Australian state capital
| Australian States | 6kW |
|---|---|
| Adelaide, SA | $5,510 |
| Brisbane, QLD | $5,530 |
| Canberra, ACT | $5,840 |
| Darwin, NT | $9,920 |
| Hobart, TAS | $7,000 |
| Melbourne, VIC | $5,330 |
| Sydney, NSW | $4,970 |
| Perth, WA | $5,380 |
| All | $6,190 |
The price of solar systems do, however, vary widely in the market. A more cost-competitive 6.6kW solar PV systems consisting of cheaper, low-end products will cost less, while premium offerings will generally be pricier.
Suitability: A Versatile Option for Most Homes
The versatility of the 6.6kW system is another key factor contributing to its suitability for Australian homes. Its size makes it compatible with a wide range of residential properties, from small to medium-sized homes. Additionally, it can be easily scaled up with additional panels if energy needs increase, offering flexibility for the future.
How much energy will a 6.6kW solar system produce?
Depending on a number of factors, the actual power output of a 6kW solar power system will vary. These variables include:
- Location and local climate
- Orientation and tilt angle of the solar panel array
- Whether there is any shade cast on the panels
- The performance of the individual components (primarily the panels and inverter)
| Energy output from a 6.6kW solar system | |
| Capital City | Approx Solar Energy Production* (per day) |
| Adelaide | 24-26 kWh |
| Brisbane | 25-27 kWh |
| Canberra | 24-27 kWh |
| Darwin | 28-30 kWh |
| Hobart | 19-22 kWh |
| Melbourne | 21-24 kWh |
| Perth | 26-28 kWh |
| Sydney | 22-25 kWh |
* Estimates generated using Burea of Meteorology historical weather data and PVsyst software
6.6kW vs. 10kW vs. 13kW Solar Systems
| Feature | 6.6kW System | 10kW System | 13kW System |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Solar Panels | ~20 | ~30 | ~40 |
| Average Daily Output | Suitable for average household consumption | Exceeds average household needs | Far exceeds average household needs |
| Initial Cost | More affordable | Higher investment | Highest investment |
| Space Required | Moderate | Considerable | Significant |
| Return on Investment | Faster due to lower initial cost | Moderate | Longer due to higher initial cost |
| Flexibility | High (easy to scale up if needed) | Moderate (scaling up requires more space) | Lower (scaling may be limited by roof space) |
| Suitability | Ideal for medium-sized homes | Best for large homes or high energy users | Suited for commercial purposes or very large homes |
Why the 6.6kW System is a Perfect Fit
The 6.6kW system is a stellar fit for Australian homes for several reasons. It offers a balanced approach to solar power, providing sufficient energy for the average household while keeping costs manageable. Its versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of homes, and the potential for scalability ensures it can adapt to future energy needs.
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