10kW Solar system: Prices, output and savings

Or, a 10kW system may be adequate to offset energy usage for a household that consumes over 30 kWh of electricity per day.

Whatever the case may be, as batteries, electric vehicles (EVs) and electrification grow in popularity, so too does the appeal of a 10kW solar system.

Our guide explains all you need to know about installing a 10kW system in Australia including prices, output, payback and their compatibility with solar batteries.

Prices for 10kW solar systems

A 10kW solar panel system typically costs between $9,000 – $12,500 to fully install. Prices vary for 10kW systems according to location, the quality of components selected and the reputation of the company selected to perform the install. Solar rebates apply to 10kW systems and vary according to the number of sunshine hours your postcode receives.

Average 10kW system prices in major cities:

How much electricity do 10kW systems produce?

Depending on your location, a 10kW solar system can produce between 35 – 44kWh of electricity per day. The panel output from a 10kW system is typically enough to power a large household with electricity bills in the realm of $1,200+ per quarter, or offset electricity usage for a fully-electric lifestyle. The table below shows how much a 10kW solar system produces in various Australian locations:

The table below shows how much a 10kW system generates in major Australian cities:

10 kW system output in major cities:

Output varies with the season

The amount of solar a system generates also varies according to the season; your panels will output less in winter and more in summer. It’s handy to know your seasonal usage and then compare this against what your system is likely to produce.

Savings and payback for 10kW solar systems

The payback period for 10kW systems varies according to your location, electricity usage habits and your properties suitability for solar.

If you use more than 30kWh / day, it’s possible to pay back your 10kW system within five years. If you buy good quality solar panels, you may save more than $75,000 throughout the 25-year life of your system. Below we show results from payback and savings results for a 10kW system in Brisbane:

Use our 10kW system calculator

Our solar system calculator will provide accurate and reliable results for a 10kW solar system at your property. We recommend using it to display results specific to your property, location and electricity usage.

Reasons to install a 10kW system

If you are considering installing a 10kW solar panel system, you are either a high energy user or, looking to electrify everything (including transport) or, you plan on using more electricity in the future. Below is a list of reasons why might select a 10kW system:

• Use in excess of 30kWh electricity per day
• Winter electricity demand is high
• Plan to add a battery in the future
• Looking to power an electric vehicle
• Plan to use more electricity in the future

Roof space

If the above reasons do not apply to your situation, you might consider a smaller 6.6kW system or an 8kW unit.

Battery storage with a 10kW solar system

For a 10kW solar system with battery storage, you can expect to pay between $18,000 – $28,000 for full installation. The variance in the price range is due to the wide variety of battery sizes suited to 10kW systems.

A 13.5 kWh battery installed with 10kW of solar is likely to cost closer to $20,000.

While your solar panels on your roof will likely last 25 years, bear in mind that the battery will likely need replacing after ten years.

Are you a high energy user?

Adding a battery to a 10kW system may be financially beneficial if you have large electricity bills. A 10kW system will likely generate enough to directly power your daytime electricity needs and charge a 10kWh battery for later night time use.

How many panels in a 10kW system?

A 10kW system typically consists of between 21 – 26 solar panels. Exactly how many panels are needed depends on the output wattage of the panel.

The area needed to house 10kW worth of solar panels is between 35.7m2 – 44.2m2. The better the quality of panels you buy, the less of them you will need, as the best panels are more efficient.