What size solar system should you buy?

In today’s Myth Buster blog, we’re busting the myth that you shouldn’t go bigger than a 5kW inverter with a single-phase property. We talk you through how to pick a solar system for your single-phase property and what to do if your household uses a lot of energy.

Solar panels are a long-term investment and can really help you save money and reduce your energy bills. But, knowing which system size to invest in for your house can be challenging. Especially if your household consumes more energy than most.

Why is 6.6kW such a common solar size?

If you’re in the market for home solar, then you’ve probably noticed that most companies will recommend a 5kW inverter and 6.6kW of panels if you have single-phase power. One reason companies do this is because it’s the most common system size of homes in Australia, and therefore it’s easier to quote. 

But the main reason is that in most cases, 5kW is the maximum amount of energy that your provider (for example, Energex) will allow you to export at any one time on a single-phase property. So that way, if you’re not using the energy that your system is creating at any one time, you’ll be able to export that energy in exchange for a feed-in credit. 

So, what size is right for me?

While this suits many homes, if your home uses a lot of power there is no reason you can’t install a larger system.

For example, your home might warrant a bigger system if you:

• own an electric car and charge it at home,

• have a pool or a pool heating system or any other constant load.

• are a heavy user of air conditioning

Because every home is different, we recommend working with your solar provider to design a system size that will cover the amount of energy your home’s uses.

TOP TIP: As a general rule if your house uses over 35kwh per day we would advise looking at a system size
bigger than 5kw.

For homes that use less than this, we recommend keeping in mind that a solar system is a long term investment. A good Solar provider will design a system that suits your energy needs now, as well as your energy needs in 5, 10 or 15 years time. It is way more cost-effective to install the right size system initially, than to have to install a bigger system in a few years time.

Brisbane’s Best Commercial & Residential Solar | Gardel Electrical & Solar

Gardel Electrical & Solar offers top-quality solar solutions with proven performance, backed by industry-leading warranties and dedicated after-sales support. After more than 11 years of operation in Queensland, Gardel Electrical & Solar is one of the most established and experienced solar companies.

Our expert team of electrical engineers, project managers, designers, and CEC-accredited electricians have extensive experience in designing and installing residential and commercial solar panels, ensuring maximum efficiency and long-term performance. With our cutting-edge technology and reliable service, you can enjoy significant energy savings while contributing to a greener future. Gardel Electrical & Solar offer an industry-leading 10-year workmanship warranty and the manufacturer’s 25-year guarantee, offering both value and peace of mind.

Take the first step towards sustainable living and request a free quote today.