6.6kW Solar System
This article covers one of our most popular system sizes: 6.6kW. It explains how much this system should cost, how much energy it should generate and how much solar rebate you can get. The main topics discussed are:
- How much does a 6.6kW solar system cost?
- How much does a 6.6kW system generate?
- How many solar panels does a 6.6kW system have?
- How much rebate do I get with a 6.6kW solar system?
The image above shows a 6.6kW solar installation.
A good quality 6.6kW system will cost between $4,500 – $10,000 after Government Rebates.
You might be wondering why there is such a large difference in costs here? After all, the jump up to $10,000 from $4,500 is more than double! Well, firstly there are some installation variables to consider like:
- If you need tilt frames for panels or they can be installed flush with the roof
- Whether you have a single-story or two-story house, or if you have a house that required additional equipment like a scissor lift to access the roof
- If all your panels can go on one roof or if they need to be split between different roof areas
- If you have a standard concrete tile or tin roof, or if you have a more difficult roof material to work with such a KlipLok, decramastic, asbestos or terracotta tile
- Who you choose to install your solar panels for you? Not every solar company charges the same amount, and some will be a much better job than others with the installation
These are a few of the installation related variables that can affect the cost of your 6.6kW solar system. There are also variables with the products you choose which can make a substantial difference to the cost of your 6.6kW solar system such as:
- The type of solar panel you install
- The type of inverter you install
- If your roof is subject to shade you may need to consider using micro inverters or optimisers to increase the tolerance to shading losses
- The type of brackets and other roof racking system you choose to install, which fit the panels to your roof
How much will a 6.6kW system generate?
The amount of electricity a 6.6kW system will generate will depend on a few variables such as:
- The orientation of your solar panels
- The tilt angle of your solar panels
- The type of solar panels you have installed
- The type of inverter you have installed
- Who installed your solar panels for you
- Whether or not you get any shading on your solar panels
We also have to consider the different seasons throughout the year as solar does not produce the same amount through winter and summer. However, as a guide the daily average production figures for a 6.6kW system are listed in the table below:
This table will give you an indication of how much energy you should produce in your location but please consider the variables in the bullet points above and only use this as a guide. We can prepare a solar energy simulation for any home which will show you how much energy you can produce on your roof with a 6.6kW solar system if you would like us to. Using the data from the table above, we can calculate what your annual production figures are likely to be with a 6.6kW solar system in the table below.
You may also be interested in knowing how much this energy will help reduce your carbon footprint? Well, as above there are lots of variables here including the solar systems performance factors and also how you use the energy (if you sell if back to the grid, or us it in the home). However, to give you an idea the table below shows some approximate Co2 reduction figures for a 6.6kW solar system.
How many panels does a 6.6kW system have?
A 6.6kW solar system will have between 14 – 18 solar panels, depending on the size and wattage of each panel.
Each solar panel has a listed wattage which can vary from camping solar panels that can be as low at 10w, right up to over 450w for larger solar panels usually used on commercial roofs. If you are getting quotes for a 6.6kW solar system, it should list how many panels and what each panel is rated at someone in the quotation.
The physical size of solar panels also varies from one brand to another. Typically, a 60-cell solar panel that is used on home roofs will measure approximately 1750mm x 1050mm. For larger commercial roofs bigger solar panels with more cells can be used. Typically, these are 70 cells instead of 60 and measure 2100mm x 1050mm.
The table above shows typical dimensions for a 60-cell solar panel.
The table above shows typical dimensions for a 70-cell solar panel.
As a general rule, to give you some input, a 6.6kW system using 60 cell panels on a home roof would require approximately 9000mm x 3500mm of space. You can look up your roof on Google Maps and select the satellite image to see a photo of your roof area. You can then right click on your roof and bring up the measurement tool and measure the roof from above to get an indication of what you can fit.
How much solar rebate will I get with a 6.6kW solar system?
The Government rebate for solar systems 100kW or under is quite a simple structure. Every solar system installed will attract Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). These STCs have a value so the more you get, the higher the rebate is. As the solar system gets larger, you attract more STCs as well, so the bigger systems get more rebates.
You will also get more STCs in areas that have more sunlight as the STCs are designed to award you for producing clean energy. In areas with more sun you will produce more energy, so you get more STCs. The map below shows how Australia is split into different zones for this STC calculation:
The zone you are in will determine how many STCs you will be given. Then, each of the STCs will have a monetary value which make up your total government solar rebate. The value of each STC does fluctuate depending on how many solar systems are being installed and it can range from as little as $14 right up to $39. The table below shows how much the solar rebate will be in your zone for various system sizes, including 6.6kW.
The table above is accurate as of Jan 2021. This is subject to change.
The advertised costs you will see for solar system will always show the post rebate amount, which is the amount you actually have to pay after the rebate has been deducted. This is because the STC rebate is always deducted as a point of discount on the solar array, and the company installing for you will look after all the paperwork, so you just have to pay the balance.
The amounts mentioned in this article from $4,500 – $10,000 as a guide for a 6.6kW solar system are after the STC rebate has been deducted.
Summary:
The amount of money you will have to pay for a 6.6kW solar system will depend on the type of system you need plus the quality of the products and installer you want to use. Think of it like buying a new kitchen or bathroom: there are some people that will do a better job and charge a bit more as it takes longer, and there are different appliances and finishes you can choose from which will either be cheaper or more expensive.
It is also worth noting here that you can install a 6.6kW solar system for less than $4,500 but you really have to start looking at very cheap and risky products as well as getting trades in and out very quickly to make it this cheap. Unfortunately, when you go too cheap, you often end up having to buy twice in the long run.
Here are some links worth checking out:
Pros and cons of all major solar panel brands
