First things first, kilowatts (kW) is a measure of an installation''s size. Basically, kW is a measure of how much electricity the solar installation can produce in a single instant. The average residential solar installation in the US is 5.6 kW, so a 12 kW solar system is over 2x bigger than the national average! However, 12 kW is by no means the biggest solar system homeowners install (check out our article on 20 kW to read about even bigger solar installations!).
Take a look below to see how big a 12 kW installation really is, what it can power, and how much it costs!
No matter if you''re installing a small 2 kW system or a huge 20 kW system, take some time before your installation date to perform some easy energy-efficiency measures. Replace incandescent light bulbs with LEDs, add weather-stripping around doors and windows, and install low-flow faucets in your sinks. All of these quick, low-cost efficiency measures can mean big time savings on your electricity bill. And the lower your bill, the smaller your solar installation needs to be – helping you spend less on solar and save even more money! So before you go solar, remember to swap out those light bulbs!
Take a look below for some common ways to evaluate the size of a solar installation:
A 12 kilowatt solar installation produces 12 kilowatts of electricity in a single moment (and in perfect conditions). To put this in context, a typical LED light bulb is around 9 watts so that 12 kW solar installation could power over 1,330 LED light bulbs! (Keep in mind that this measurement is in perfect test conditions. In real life, the installation would produce less as wiring, weather, and equipment efficiency all lower the total energy output of solar installations. In fact, the National Renewable Energy Lab, in their PV Watts solar output calculator, recommends accounting for all these losses by adding a 14% decrease in production, so our 12 kW installation would really produce around 10.3 kW up on the roof).
Residential solar panels typically produce around 260 watts of power each, so a 12 kW system typically requires around 47 solar panels. If you need to cut costs where you can, lower efficiency solar panels hover around 240 watts, so you''d be looking at 50 panels. If you''re short on roof space, you can grab some high-efficiency panels that produce 300 watts of electricity, letting you install only 40 panels!
A residential solar panel usually clocks in around 38" x 65" (roughly 3'' x 5''), so a 47 panel installation takes up about 806 square feet – the same size as a racquetball room. Obviously, if you purchase high-efficiency solar panels, you''ll need fewer panels and your dimensions will be smaller. If you buy lower-priced, less efficient solar panels you''ll need more panels and your dimensions will be larger.
If you''re looking up at your roof right now, wondering if there''s space up there to fit 800 square feet of solar panels, don''t worry! Installers can install solar panels in small groups (usually at least 3 panels in a group) all over your roof, facing different directions and tilts. This type of installation requires a special inverter known as microinverters that optimize each solar panel individually. Microinverters are more expensive than the more commonplace string inverter, but if you have a complex roof, they really open up space on your roof.
While installation costs vary by region and installer, in 2016 the National Renewable Energy Lab found residential solar installations in the US cost an average of $2.93 per watt before applying any financial incentives. At this rate then, a 12 kW system costs around $35,160.
That seems like a lot – and it certainly is – but let''s put that number into perspective. First, there''s the 30% federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit, which is a dollar-for-dollar discount in your total installation cost, therefore dropping your total from $35,160 to just $24,612!
Secondly, there are likely other incentives available for homeowners going solar in your area, so be sure to check out your utility, city, and state websites to see what kind of incentives they offer. DSIRE (Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency) is a great tool to see what rebates, tax credits and exemptions, and net metering are available to you. And all of these incentives can drop your installation cost even further, saving you even more money!
To calculate your savings, we need to compare your total solar installation cost of $24,612 to your total cost if you continued to purchase all your electricity from the utility for the next 25 years (the typical estimated life of a solar installation).
Follow the steps above to calculate your own savings from a 12 kW solar system. After seeing how much money you''ll have left in your pocket after 25 years, you''ll probably be ready to start calling installers today! Then you can blow all that extra cash you''ll have on that new Tesla that you''ve been wanting!
Image Credits under CC license from Pixabay – 1, 2
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Compare price and performance of the Top Brands to find the best 12 kW solar system with a SolarEdge inverter and module optimizers. Key benefits of a SolarEdge system include better output (2% more in direct Sun; up to 25% more in shade), monitoring of each panel, and ability to mix panels, For home or business, save 30% with a solar tax credit.
SunWatts has a big selection of affordable 12 kW PV systems for sale. These 12 kW size grid-connected solar kits include solar panels, SolarEdge inverter, module optimizers, rack mounting system, hardware, cabling, permit plans and instructions. These are complete PV solar power systems that can work for a home or business, with just about everything you need to get the system up and running quickly. The kit prices shown include hardware components only; click on any kit to add your choice of full-service installation options for rooftop or ground mount.
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Compare price and performance of the Top Brands to find the best 12 kW solar system with micro-inverters from Enphase or APS. Key benefits of an Enphase micro system includes better output (2% more in direct Sun; up to 25% more in shade), monitoring of each panel, and 25 year warranty, For home or business, save 30% with a solar tax credit.
SunWattshas a big selection of affordable 12 kW micro PV systems for sale. These 12 kW size grid-connected solar kits include solar panels, Enphase micro-inverters, 24/7 monitoring, rack mounting system, hardware, cabling, permit plans and instructions. These are complete PV solar power systems that can work for a home or business, with just about everything you need to get the system up and running quickly. The kit prices shown include hardware components only; click on any kit to add your choice of full-service installation options for rooftop or ground mount.
This complete residential grid-tied solar system features:
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About 12 kw solar system
As the photovoltaic (PV) industry continues to evolve, advancements in 12 kw solar system have become critical to optimizing the utilization of renewable energy sources. From innovative battery technologies to intelligent energy management systems, these solutions are transforming the way we store and distribute solar-generated electricity.
When you're looking for the latest and most efficient 12 kw solar system for your PV project, our website offers a comprehensive selection of cutting-edge products designed to meet your specific requirements. Whether you're a renewable energy developer, utility company, or commercial enterprise looking to reduce your carbon footprint, we have the solutions to help you harness the full potential of solar energy.
By interacting with our online customer service, you'll gain a deep understanding of the various 12 kw solar system featured in our extensive catalog, such as high-efficiency storage batteries and intelligent energy management systems, and how they work together to provide a stable and reliable power supply for your PV projects.
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