Short on Time? Here’s The Article Summary

The article discusses 3kW solar photovoltaic systems, explaining how they work and their potential benefits. A 3kW system can produce around 360 kWh per month, reducing but not eliminating your electricity bill. The cost varies but is approximately $9,000, with potential savings of $300 to $900 per year depending on your location.

The article also explores the federal solar tax credit, which can reduce the cost of a 3kW system to around $6,700. Financing options like solar leases and loans are discussed, along with the average payback period of 8 years. Overall, a 3kW system is suitable for small to mid-sized homes, offering a cost-effective way to reduce energy bills and contribute to sustainability.

Introduction

Solar photovoltaic systems come in different shapes and sizes, which is why it's important to have an idea of how powerful of a system you need for any given scenario.

In this case, we'll look into 3 kW (3,000 watts) solar systems and see how much power they produce.

If you want to power your entire house, you’ll probably need to get something a little larger than 3kW. Have a look at how much power a 6kW solar system produces to see if it could work for your home.

How Does Solar Power Work?

Solar power is a form of energy generated through the conversion of the sun's rays into electricity for powering a household or business. When thinking of solar power in general, glass panels mounted on rooftops is usually what comes to mind.

But the solar panels themselves are just the tip of the iceberg in what ultimately makes up the entire system of components that works together in order to generate electricity.

The Conversion Process

Absorption of Sunlight By Solar Panels

The conversion process starts with the solar panels capturing sunlight throughout the day. Solar panels are made with layers (or a single layer in some cases) of individual silicone cells measuring 6 x 6 inches. A standard-sized (250-watt) solar panel usually has about 60 of these silicone cells.

These photovoltaic cells are responsible for capturing sunlight and are placed together in rows to make up the entirety of the solar panels. To maximize efficiency, there are usually multiple solar panels mounted on the roof or ground. The specific amount depends on the energy needs of the household or business.

Conversion of Direct Current and Alternating Current

After capturing sunlight, the cells then convert it to produce a charge of raw electricity known as direct current (DC). Direct current cannot be used to power most homes, so the next step is for it to be converted into a form of electricity that can be used. This takes the form of alternating current (AC).

The direct current is converted into alternating current through the use of a solar power inverter. Connected to the solar panels via cable, a solar inverter usually takes the form of either a single unit or multiple units connected to each of the panels individually.

Distribution of Electricity to Your Household or Business

With the direct current converted into alternating current, electricity is then sent directly to the home where it can power multiple appliances depending on the size and efficiency of the solar array.

There are different types of solar PV systems, and the distribution of the electricity generated by your solar system differs depending on the type you own.

If you own a grid-tied solar panel system, one that’s connected to the utility power grid, your household will only receive and use the exact amount of electricity that it needs. The electricity that you aren't using gets sent to the utility grid and you receive compensation in return in the form of net metering.

When it comes to an off-grid solar panel system, any excess power that’s generated is sent to your solar battery bank for later use.

How Much Electricity Does a 3kW Solar System Produce?

Most suited for small or mid-sized homes, a 3-kilowatt solar PV system is considered to be on the smaller side of the spectrum. A solar system of this size would be able to produce around 12 kilowatt hours (kWh) per week for a total of 360kWh per month, give or take.

This solar PV system can power various kitchen appliances such as your refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, and freezer, as well as your water heater, television, computer, and phone charger.

The average household in the U.S uses about 900 kilowatt hours of electricity per month. While you won't eliminate your entire electricity bill with a 3-kilowatt solar system, it will help reduce the amount you spend on utilities and save you some money in the long run.

If you want to go a step up, have a look at how much a 5kW solar system can power for something a little larger, but not substantially more expensive.

How Much Money Can You Save With a 3kW Solar System?

The amount of money a solar system saves depends on the cost of electricity in your state. A rough estimate of what your yearly savings could see you save a minimum of around $300 and a maximum amount of around $900 per year.

While they’re a larger investment in the beginning, because of what an 8kW solar system can power, you could save more money on a larger system in the long run.

How Much Roof Space Does a 3kW Solar System Require?

You first need a rough estimate of the number of solar panels required for a 3-kilowatt solar system. A system this size needs between 6 and 13 solar panels in total. This of course depends on the maximum energy output of the solar panels.

While this might seem like a lot, it’s far fewer than the number of panels you need for a 10kW solar system.

A standard residential solar array usually uses 250-watt units. A 3-kilowatt solar PV system has a maximum power output of 3,000 watts, so you would need around 12 of those 250-watt solar panels to form a 3-kilowatt system.

Each 250-watt solar panel measures approximately 17 square feet. This works out to around 220 square feet of roof space facing, also accounting for extra spaces between the panels. 

If your roof doesn’t have enough room or is at the incorrect angle, you also have the option of mounting your solar array on the ground.

Granted, this also requires the same amount of space, but if you have a big enough yard then a ground-mounted solar array is a more than viable option.

How Much Does a 3kW Solar System Cost?

Having a solar installation can be quite a hefty investment. This is why some consideration is necessary before making the purchase.

According to the SEIA (Solar Energy Industries Association), the cost of solar per watt in the U.S sits at just under $3.00. This puts the price of a 3 kilowatt (3,000 watts) solar panel system at around $9,000, although the price varies from brand to brand.

On top of the upfront costs of the system and installation, there are still things like the mounting structures and maintenance to consider as well.

The investment cost of a 3kW system pales in comparison to larger arrays. However, considering the number of appliances something like a 75kW solar system can power, it’s not surprising that it costs an order of magnitude more.

Luckily, there’s a silver lining when it comes to costs and it takes the form of federal solar tax credit and other kinds of financial aids and incentives aimed at potential solar panel owners. 

How Long Does it Take for a Household to Profit from a 3kW Solar System?

The payback period of a solar system refers to the long-term savings you will accumulate by relying on this alternative source of energy. The goal is to ultimately make back the money that the solar system installation costs you in the first place.

It is, in a sense, a return on your investment.

On average, the payback period for most solar installations is about 8 years. Having a 3-kilowatt system, however, can see you profiting in as little as 3 years after installation.

The time it takes to see a return on your initial investment varies depending on how you use the system, the cost of electricity in your area, as well as how much you can leverage the federal solar tax credit.

Ways to Finance Your Solar Panel System

Solar Lease

A solar lease allows homeowners to avoid having to pay the hefty upfront costs that come with a solar installation. By using this method to install a solar system, the homeowner can reap the benefits of solar energy without having to pay a single cent.

It works in the same way as any other lease, you pay a fixed sum of money per month that's decided by the solar company you're leasing from in exchange for installing and using the system. The leasing period usually lasts for 20 to 25 years.

The panels are under the ownership of the solar company during the leasing period so it won't add any resale value to your home it might even make selling your home a bit more complicated.

Additionally, you aren’t eligible for the federal solar tax credit. On the bright side, with a solar lease, the company takes care of things like maintenance and repairs, system monitoring, and insurance in case of damage to your system or roof.

Solar Loan

A solar loan is a loan taken out for the purpose of purchasing and installing a solar system.

With the loan, you can purchase and install the solar PV system under your name, which means you’re eligible for the federal solar tax credit.

Like regular loans, you can go with either a secured or an unsecured one. A secured loan is when you use something you own as collateral for the loan, like your home. This usually lowers the rates of the loan.

An unsecured loan is taken without having to use any of your assets as collateral, but most of the time you'd need to have a good credit score, which can also help to lower your rates.

What Is the Federal Solar Tax Credit?

If you're eligible for it, the federal solar tax credit allows you to receive credit on your taxes equivalent to the value of as much as 30% percent of the cost of your solar installation. This system helps to reduce the overall cost of your solar PV system by saving you some money in return.

Through the federal solar tax credit, a 3-kilowatt solar system that costs $9,000 would have the overall price reduced to just under $6,700.

To be eligible for the tax credit you will need to have complete ownership of the property as well as the solar PV system itself, which means that you will not qualify for the tax credit if you own the system via solar lease. This probably goes without saying, but you need to have a taxable income as well.

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