Installing a solar energy system is a fantastic way to reduce your electricity bills, along with your carbon emissions as well as increase the value of your home. Plus, since most solar power systems pay themselves off within 3 to 5 years, you can be confident that your investment in solar power will bring both short- and long-term rewards! When deciding on which solar power system is best for you, there are a number of questions that first need to be considered, such as:
- How much electricity do you want to save?
- What are your long-term energy needs?
- How much space have you got?
- What’s your budget?
How much electricity do you want to save?
Before you work this out, you’ll need to know how much electricity your house uses daily.
The average Australian household consumes roughly 18 kWh or ‘units’ per day. You can find information and data about your home’s energy consumption throughout the year on the back of your electricity bill. You’ll also find information about past consumption and usage patterns.
Average Daily Production
Now use the table below to determine how much power (on average) common solar energy systems produce state by state.
| Location | 3.5 kW | 5 kW | 6.5 kW | 8 kW | 10 kW |
| Adelaide | 14.7 kWh | 21 kWh | 27.3 kWh | 33.6 kWh | 42 kWh |
| Alice Springs | 17.5 kWh | 25 kWh | 32.5 kWh | 40 kWh | 50 kWh |
| Brisbane | 14.7 kWh | 21 kWh | 27.3 kWh | 33.6 kWh | 42 kWh |
| Canberra | 15 kWh | 21.5 kWh | 27.9 kWh | 34.4 kWh | 43 kWh |
| Darwin | 15.4 kWh | 21.5 kWh | 28.6 kWh | 35.2 kWh | 44 kWh |
| Hobart | 12.2 kWh | 17.5 kWh | 22.7 kWh | 28 kWh | 35 kWh |
| Melbourne | 12.6 kWh | 18 kWh | 23.4 kWh | 28.8 kWh | 36 kWh |
| Perth | 15.4 kWh | 22 kWh | 28.6 kWh | 35.2 kWh | 44 kWh |
| Sydney | 13.6 kWh | 19.5 kWh | 25.3 kWh | 31.2 kWh | 39 kWh |
What are your long-term energy needs?
Your long-term energy needs are something well worth considering when deciding on a solar power system. After all, they are an investment that will be with your home for a decade or more, and your energy needs are likely to change over time, so when considering a smaller size system, it’s worth considering if it will still meet your needs down the track.
Are you planning to expand your family, install a future battery, buy an electric car, switch your gas hot water system to an electric iStore heat pump? Or perhaps simply run appliances more freely such as the air conditioner and clothes dryer?
Though it may be more expensive in the short term, installing a larger solar energy system to make sure that your solar energy system can account for your increasing energy needs is a smart, cost-effective strategy that ensures your power bills stay down.
In fact, a recent report by the Alternative Technology Association (ATA) found that larger solar systems are better ‘Bang for Buck’ i.e. not only do they deliver higher savings, but also quicker payback periods (even for low-energy users).
How much roof space is available?
Your roof's open physical space and the available space around your property will help determine what size, style and type of solar energy system will be optimal for your home. But don’t fret if you think your roof might be too small, the solar experts here at Solargain can fit solar panels and a solar energy system in almost any property, even in the most challenging situations. Though this may limit the maximum size of your system, with solar panels becoming more efficient as time goes on, the amount of needed roof space is falling as well.
Our CEC Accredited Installers and Designers will work with you to design and install a solar energy system that fits the size and shape of your property, as well as your unique energy needs, so you can make the most out of the sun every day of the year.
What's your budget?
Solar energy systems come in a range of brands, sizes and prices starting from $3,000. Before you determine how much you’re willing to spend, it’s important to do your research and find out how solar panels work, the difference between each brand, and what size system will best suit your lifestyle.
Only after knowing these important factors can you truly determine which panels will provide the best value for you and how much you should spend. For a general idea about your options, visit Solargain’s solar energy packages and specials. Or contact us today to book an obligation-free site assessment & quote.
System costs and annual savings are indicative only and vary for every Australian State and Territory. Household environment and behaviour will impact annual savings.
Our friendly team of solar specialists are specially trained to help you decide which system will best suit your needs and budget. Call one of our consultants on 1300 73 93 55 to assist you in finding a system that's right for you.
