13kW Solar system prices, output and payback

Households looking to install 13kW of solar panels are either very high energy users or average electricity users looking to go fully electric. Either way, a 13kW system is perfect for pairing with battery storage and makings savings on your electricity bills.

Our straightforward guide to 13kW solar systems in Australia provides essential information around pricing, energy output, payback periods and battery size compatibility.

How much does a 13kW solar system cost?

The average cost of a fully installed 13kW solar system in Australia ranges from $12,000 - $14,600 depending on your location, the quality of materials used, and the complexity of the installation.

As a guide, we generally advise that consumers can expect to pay roughly $1,000 per kW. i.e. a 6.6kW system may cost around $6,600 to install, whereas a 10kW system may cost around $10,000 to install.

Just like anything, you get what you pay for. There is no shortage of cut-price solar companies in Australia that will quote significantly cheaper than $1,000 per kW, however, it’s important to consider the full picture when comparing suppliers. The quality of materials, workmanship, and the warranties offered will vary dramatically between companies. It’s important to keep this in mind when comparing solar quotes.

Average 13kW system prices by city:

How much energy will a 13kW solar system produce?

A 13kW solar system will produce somewhere between 40-60 kWh per day depending on your location, the positioning of your solar panels, and a range of other important factors.

In the right conditions, a 13kW solar system can produce more than 2,000 kWh each month or more than 24,000 kWh of electricity each year. Given that the average Australian household consumes around 15kWh of electricity each day, a 13kW solar system will be more than enough for typical daily energy consumption with enough to feed back into the grid for additional financial benefits.

13kW System output in major cities:

Electrification with 13kW of solar

Electrification guru, Saul Griffith, estimates that the average fully-electrified household will use 37 kWh of electricity to power everything in the home and on the road. Compare this to the current 102 kWh of energy used by the average Australian household (includes vehicles).

So, houses that are currently using the average 15 kWh of electricity per day, will soon use 37 kWh. In the process, they'll reduce their emissions to zero.

A 13kW solar system will produce somewhere between 45-60 kWh each day - enough to power a fully-electrified home. For smaller energy users, a 10kW solar system may produce enough electricity for full electrification.

How many panels make up a 13kW solar system?

It typically takes between 27 to 33 solar panels to make up a 13kW system. The amount of roof space required to accommodate a 13kW solar system depends on the size and the capacity of solar panels that you choose to use. A typical solar panel takes up 1.7m² or roof space, the power output of panels ranges from 390 to 475 watts per panel.

For the sake of providing a guideline, let’s assume that the average solar panel is 1.7m² and produces 445 watts per panel. A 13kW system would therefore require approximately 29 solar panels and require approximately 49.3 m2 of roof space to accommodate these panels.

This is, of course, just one example that does not account for the differing size of solar panels and the power output per panel that they may produce. For properties where space is of the essence, it’s better to go for more efficient panels with a higher output wattage - because you'll need less of them to make up 13kW.

Payback period of a 13kW solar system – State by state

Switching to solar energy requires a considerable initial output for Australian residents and businesses. If, like most of us, you’re looking to find out how long it will take to recoup the upfront cost of your investment, the table below sheds valuable insights.

The figures assume the average daily electricity use is 38kWh and average daily supply values have been used.

It’s important to remember that your solar payback period will depend on a myriad of factors that are unique to your solar setup, your location, and your energy consumption.

Is a 13kW solar system right for you?

It costs a considerable amount to install 13kW of solar panels, but as we have explained, it can deliver some significant savings. A 13kW solar system can also lay the foundations for an emissions-free lifestyle through full household electrification.

However, the only one who can decide if a 13kW system if right for your household is, you. As much as we would like to tie a neat bow on this, the truth is, it will depend entirely on the amount of roof space that you have available, your unique energy requirements, and a number of other key factors that only you can answer.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re looking at a 3kW, 5kW, 6.6kW, 10kW, or 13kW solar system – it’s important to do the numbers before you make any big decisions. Evaluating recent energy bills, your energy consumption habits, available solar rebates, and the latest available feed in tariffs in your location will all help you to determine the right system for your property.