Sometimes in life, size really does matter… And this can be true for your solar system.

If you’re wondering what size solar system to install or whether to add to your current system, you may be surprised to hear that bigger is better, even if you don’t use much electricity.

In Queensland, residents can now install up to 10kW of inverter capacity and 13kW of solar panels, all while connected to the grid. And for those that already have a system installed, they will still receive more rebate. You could even go up to 18kW of panels when you add a battery to the mix! This was previously limited to 5kW and probably won’t last forever, so now is the time to go big… or go home!

A study by the Alternative Technology Association (ATA) found that larger rooftop solar systems have always enjoyed economies of scale compared to smaller systems. One of the simplest reasons being – while the installer is on the roof, it’s relatively easy for them to add more panels, especially if you plan to expand or add a pool like a lot of our North Queensland customers.

Why install more panels?

But why install more panels than you need – even if it’s inexpensive to do so? The answer, according to the ATA report, is that larger solar systems offer reduced grid power consumption and a better return on energy sent back to the grid – particularly as solar tariffs around the country are being raised in line with soaring power prices. For example, a 5kW system might offset around 40% of electricity usage but a 10kW has the capacity to offset up to 85% of electricity usage in some cases. In turn, these bill savings add up to a shorter payback time on the system – i.e. the number of years until bill savings recover the upfront installation cost.

Benefits of bigger

In addition to reduced power bills and quicker payback periods, here’s a few other BIG benefits of starting BIG or going even BIGGER if you’ve already installed solar:

1. You can get an extra $5,000 off your system, just by adding MORE panels!

The Federal Government rebate incentive is available for ALL solar installations, whether it’s a brand-new system or an additional system or upgrade.

2. If you’re already on the 44c Feed-In Tariff (FIT), you can still go BIGGER!

Yes! You read that right! You CAN still go BIGGER and not lose the 44c! Contact us for more information on what solution would best suit your needs.

3. Even if you’ve already installed up to 5kW of solar, you can still get more incentives!

With the inverter capacity in North Queensland now at 10kW for single phase and 30kW for three phase installations (grid connect), you will receive even more incentives if you go BIGGER. With a maximum feed in of 5kW per phase, you will be eligible for both the upfront incentive for going bigger, along with more feed-in credits to further increase your return on investment and reduce your ongoing energy costs.

To find out how you could benefit from starting BIG or going BIGGER with your solar system, call our team of solar experts for an obligation-free chat.

References

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/business-spectator/news-story/bigger-solar-for-the-home-is-better-heres-why/219f4a52ddee5f15eff17fad7a3c7572

https://onestepoffthegrid.com.au/bigger-now-better-rooftop-solar-even-low-energy-users/