More consumers are preferring to build larger solar system sizes as the cost of solar energy continues to decline. As a result, 10 kW solar systems are becoming a more widely used solar option for big houses and little offices.
Even if you don’t use that much power, a 10kW solar system is still a sizable investment. This article examines a 10kW solar system in more detail to determine if it is the appropriate size for you.
How much does an average 10kW solar system cost?
As of January 2022, a 10kW solar energy system will cost roughly $30,000 before subsidies, based on the average cost of solar in the U.S. When you factor in the federal tax credit, that cost is reduced to around $21,000.
It’s crucial to remember that prices for solar systems vary from state to state. Additional state or utility-based solar rebates may further lower installation costs in some locales.
You may get an idea of how much solar energy might cost in your location by looking at the following table, which shows the average cost of a 10kW solar system in several states.
| State | Average 10kW solar system cost before tax credit | Average 10kW solar system cost after tax credit |
|---|---|---|
| California | $26,800 | $18,760 |
| Florida | $26,100 | $18,270 |
| Texas | $27,700 | $19,390 |
| North Carolina | $24,900 | $17,430 |
| Arizona | $26,700 | $18,690 |
| New Jersey | $27,800 | $19,460 |
| Massachusetts | $28,700 | $20,090 |
| Georgia | $23,300 | $16,310 |
| New York | $28,600 | $20,020 |
How much electricity does a 10kW solar system produce?
A 10kW solar panel system can provide 11,000 to 15,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) of power annually.
Depending on where you live, a 10kW system may or may not actually produce 10kW of power. Solar panels will generate more electricity in states with more sunlight, like New Mexico, than in states with less sunlight, like Massachusetts.
Can a 10kW solar system power a home?
Yes, a 10kW solar panel system will provide enough energy to power the 10,715 kWh of electricity used annually by the typical American family.
Your home’s energy requirements, however, can differ significantly from those of the typical American household. Energy usage actually differs greatly between states. For instance, houses in Wyoming and Louisiana typically use more power than houses in other states. As a result, while a 10kW solar array could be ideal for a home in Louisiana, it might be too large for a home in New York, where the typical household electricity demand is significantly lower.
Yes, 10kW solar systems can provide enough electricity to enable off-grid living. The main drawback is that a 10kW off-grid solar system would require the installation of solar battery storage to store the extra electricity it generates.
How much can you save on your electric bill with a 10kW solar power system?
The average homeowner can save around $125 per month with a solar system that is made to meet all of their energy needs, based on the typical electric cost and usage in the U.S. The savings from solar energy are roughly $1,500 a year!
A solar panel installation will almost always result in a significant reduction in your utility costs. Depending on the state, a solar system may save you anything from nothing to a significant amount. This is so that your electric bill can vary depending on:
- How much energy your panels produce
- How much electricity costs
- The net metering policy in your state
For instance, in Florida, a 10kW solar system producing 1,000 kWh per month would result in a $110 monthly electric bill savings. If a system placed in Massachusetts produced the same quantity of solar energy – 1,000- kWh – it would save you $190 a month on your electricity bill.
Electricity is far more expensive in Massachusetts than it is in Florida, which accounts for the disparity in savings.
How long does it take for a 10kW solar system to pay for itself?
Depending on where you reside, the average payback period for a 10kW system might range from 8 to 20 years.
The cost of your system, the amount of electricity it produces, and the amount of money you will save all depend on where you live, which also affects the payback period.
If you reside in a region where there are additional solar incentives, such as solar renewable energy credits, your return on investment may be even higher (SRECs).
How many solar panels make up a 10kW solar system?
Between 27 and 35 solar panels are required for a 10kW rooftop solar system. The number of solar panels needed to create a 10kW solar PV system will vary depending on their wattage.
For instance, 34 solar panels are required to create a 10kW system if you install 300-watt solar panels. Using panels with a greater power rating, such as 350-watt panels, will reduce the number of panels required to reach 10 kW to just 28.
You’ll need a lot of roof space to build a 10kW system because this is a lot of solar panels.
How much roof space do you need for a 10kW solar system?
Typically, a 10kW solar installation needs 475 to 615 square feet of roof space.
The wattage of the solar panels you install determines the precise square footage you require. The amount of roof space required rises as the wattage falls, necessitating more panels.
To install your panels, you should ideally have at least 475 square feet of roof space that faces south, as this will optimize the amount of energy the panels will create.
Can you install your own 10kW solar system?
Yes, you may purchase DIY solar kits to erect a 10kW array of solar panels by yourself.
Typically, 10kW solar DIY kits cost between $14,000 and $24,000, which is less than the installation cost you would receive from a solar firm. However, if you don’t know what you’re doing, DIY solar might be hazardous.
Additionally, designing the ideal system, which includes deciding where to put the solar panels and which solar inverter to use, can be difficult. Self-installation of panels occasionally even renders the panels’ warranty worthless.
In order to correctly install a DIY system and pass inspections, you frequently need the assistance of a solar industry specialist or a certified electrician. This might actually result in you spending more money than if you had simply chosen an installation in the first place.
Finding the right installer for a 10kW solar system
You should request multiple quotations from various solar firms in order to select the best installer for your 10kW solar system. Then, you may compare solar quotes to find the best deal for solar panel installation on your roof.
As they can provide you with individualized attention and frequently have a thorough awareness of the incentives available in your area, local installers with licensed contractors in your area are a fantastic place to start.
Do you need a 10kW solar system for your house? Ratings