Approximate Costs of Solar Systems

Stand Alone Power Systems

One of the most common, and usually the first question we hear from customers is "How much will it cost to power my home using solar panels?" The short answer to this is "How much does it cost to buy a new car?"  In other words, the cost of any solar system depends entirely on the electrical demand of the user. This applies equally for a small week-ender in the bush or to a large home for a family.

If the electrical load (in either week-ender or home) is limited to lighting, television, and a music system then the demand in amphours of power per day could be as low as one kilowatthour per day. As soon as a refrigerator is added to the load, the daily consumption doubles. In fact any appliance that operates 24 hours a day or has heating elements such as a stove or electrical hot water service increases the energy demand (and cost) substantially. To get an idea of the power consumption of some common appliances have a look at our energy consumption guide.

A simple comparison that can be used is the purchase of a new car. If you walk into a new car showroom and ask how much a new car will cost, the salesman will need to find out how much you wish to spend and what do you want your new vehicle to do. A 'Mini Moke' will quite safely allow the driver and a passenger to travel almost anywhere in Australia. If you prefer a more luxurious ride, a 'Rolls Royce' will travel the same trips as a 'Moke' but with considerably more comfort and speed. Similarly, a small solar system will provide  240 volt power supply but with less strength (amps) and for a shorter period (amphours) than a larger system.

So, .... what can you expect from a photovoltaic power supply ?

System

Will operate

Minimum components needed

Cost

An economy size

Extra low voltage lighting and appliances

TV, HiFi and computer systems

Limited small appliances

from 2 to 4 solar panels

small battery bank

up to 1kVa inverter

from $3000

A good workhorse

Energy efficient lighting

TV, Video, HiFi and computer systems

Most small kitchen appliances (not electric jug or stove)

Washing machine and vacuum cleaner

Limited use of handyman power tools

from 4 to 10 solar panels

battery bank with 500 aHrs storage capacity

from 1.5kVa to 2.5kVa inverter

generator backup

from $5000 to $15000

Comfort and efficiency

All lighting, entertainment and kitchen appliances, microwave oven and electric jug,

Ceiling fans,

Family sized fridge,

All household appliances except drying machine

All handyman power tools excluding elec.welder

from 8 to 10 large solar panels,

1000+ aHr battery bank

2.3 to 4 kVa inverter/charger

generator backup

$20,000 to $40,000+

When only the best will do.

All household appliances, plus all office equipment

Large fridges + bar fridge + wine chiller

Spa bath

Air conditioning

Home theatre

Power tools.

20 + large solar panels

Battery bank to match peak demand

5 + kVa inverter charger with 'seamless' change over switch to backup generator

$100,000 +

Grid connect Power Systems

Unlike SAPS, solar power systems that are connected to the electricity grid (mains power) do not power household equipment directly. The power from these systems feeds into the electricity mains while ever there is sufficient sunshine irrespective of the consumer's load. The power fed into the grid is recorded on a 'smart' meter and credits are automatically generated against any consumer use. That means, while the home is unattended, during holidays or travel, the smart meter is actually building up a credit and it is quite possible to return from an extended absence and get a cheque from your energy supplier instead of an account.

The size and cost of these systems is very much a personal decision and depends almost entirely on the amount of ‘greenhouse gas’ you wish to save entering the atmosphere.

An ‘average’ home with two adults uses between 10 and 15kWhrs (kilowatthours) of electricity per day for general household use and additional 6 kWhrs per day for an off-peak hot water service. (This does not include air conditioning, swimming pools or spas.) Unfortunately, Energex limit the maximum input from alternative power to 10 kWhrs per day which means that it is not possible to supply all household power from alternate sources without a significant reduction in electricity use (eg: One energy efficient fridge, all gas cooking, no air conditioning, no clothes dryers etc.) Very few people are prepared to reduce the quality of their lifestyle to this extent when mains power is available to them.

To encourage owners who wish to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the EPA administer a rebate program funded by the Australian Greenhouse Office. This rebate is paid at the rate of $4.00 per peak watt of new photovoltaic cells for all installations between 450 watts and 1 kilowatt. (ie: A maximum of $4000.00 rebate.) Systems can be up to 1.85 kW maximum and be within Energex limits but still only attract the same maximum rebate.

The table below lists the sizes and costs of various systems and includes an approximate idea of the greenhouse gas savings for each one. The figures do not include the supply of/or connection to a ‘smart’ meter. These are supplied and connected by Energex (at the consumer’s cost.)

Grid Connect PV Systems

( Calculations based on 5.5 Peak Sun Hours per day )

Size

No. of Panels

kWhr/day

Greenhouse Gas

Total Cost

Rebate

Client Cost

(watts)

 

 

savings/year

( $ )

( $ )

( $ )

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

492

4 x 123 watt

2.0

2.47

tonnes

12530

1968

10562

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

660

4 x 165 watt

2.7

3.31

tonnes

14202

2640

11562

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

990

6 x 165 watt

4.1

4.97

tonnes

17912

3960

13952

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1110

6 x 175 watt

4.3

5.27

tonnes

19430

4000

15430

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1480

8 x 175 watt

5.8

7.03

tonnes

23516

4000

19516

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1850

10 x 175 watt

7.2

8.97

tonnes

27902

4000

23902

 This sized system is becoming the ‘standard’ for modern environmentally inclined developments and is encouraged as ‘best practice’

by many councils and the Environment Protection Agency (EPA.)

PLEASE NOTE THAT THESE FIGURES ARE APPROXIMATE ONLY.

INSTALLATION COSTS VARY FROM SITE TO SITE.

 

For an obligation free quotation please contact Tony.

E-mail :   tony@gosolar.com.au        Phone : 07.5448.1480         Mob : 0408.066.622

 

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