After deciding to install a solar energy system, choosing the right size for your home can seem challenging. A 6kWp system is fairly standard, and will probably cover energy needs for most Singapore households. Planning for a system of this size means understanding how much space it will require and how many kilowatt-hours of electricity it will produce. It’s also important to know how much a 6kWp system should cost to ensure you get a fair price.
How Much Power Can I Get From A 6kWp System?
Most Singapore households consume about 11,000 kWh per year, or a little over 900 kWh per month. 6kWp systems typically produce 400 to 1,000 kWh per month, but the actual energy production of any solar system depends on your location, local weather conditions, and the way in which you position your panels. For instance, a 6kWp system will produce around 430kWh in December and about 970kWh in May. Energy production will decline in year end as the cloudy and raining days produce low sun irradiance.
What If My Energy Consumption Is Higher Than Average?
To calculate your precise energy needs, look over your energy bills from the past year. Average the monthly kWh totals by adding them all together and dividing by 12. If you find your energy needs are higher than average, you might want to invest in a solar system larger than 6kWp.
If you’re in an off-grid location (or just want to ensure you’ll be able to produce enough electricity to meet all your energy needs year-round), consult a solar professional. Using data about your location and your energy consumption patterns, they’ll help you determine whether a 6kWp system is adequate for your home.
How Many Panels Will A 6kWp Solar System Have?
The number of panels your 6kWp system has depends on the wattage of the panels you’re working with. You might, for instance, use 14 units of 435W panels or 17 units of 360W panels.
Panels with wattage that don’t divide evenly into 6,000 (the number of watts in a 6kWp system) will require you to slightly overshoot your six-kilowatt target. If you plan on using LONGI Solar 360W Mono PERC, for instance, you’d need 17 panels and would end up overshooting your 6kW target by 120W (since 360 times 17 equals 6,120). While there’s nothing inherently wrong with doing so, a 6kWp system is probably already more than enough for your energy needs, so unless you’re selling energy back to the grid through a net settlement of energy, it’s best to stay as close as possible to your target energy production range.
How Much Space Will A 6kWp System Require?
On average, a 6kWp system will require about 28 sqm of space. But the exact amount of space you’ll need depends on the size of the solar panels you use. Every manufacturer produces panels of slightly different sizes, even if they are all of equal wattage.
Mounting will also add space to your solar installation. Some racking clamps, for instance, require you to add up to an inch in space between each module. Other modules require as little as a quarter-inch between them.
At any given wattage, high-efficiency modules will generally take up less space than their standard-efficiency counterparts, so if you’re working with a roof or land area of limited size, high-efficiency panels are probably your best bet.
How Much Will A 6kWp System Cost?
On average, a 6kWp system will probably cost about $12,500 to $14,000. But the cost of any system can vary considerably based on your local economy. The installer you choose to work with can also affect the price you pay for your 6kWp solar system. Before choosing which installer to work with, be sure to obtain multiple quotes and shop around for the best deals.
The type of solar panels and other equipment you install will also make a difference in the system’s ultimate price tag. High-efficiency solar panels and microinverters, for instance, will cost more than string inverters and panels of standard efficiency. Get in touch with our solar expert and receive a FREE QUOTE Now.
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