Are you looking to buy a 6.6kW solar system? If so, here is everything you need to know about these popular solar panels before putting in your money.
Many Australian homes tend to go with the 6.6kW solar systems. You might think why? In truth, there are a few reasons for this. These panels come with a 5kW inverter, and they fit your budget perfectly. For your small-sized home, a 6.6kW solar system is the perfect choice. Still not convinced?
Well, go through the following article, and you can learn everything you need to know about 6.6kW solar panels.
How Many Panels Do You Get with a 6.6kW Solar System?
Typically, solar panels range from 330W to 400W. So, if you do math, you can calculate the number of panels easily.
Calculation 1
Note: Assume one panel is 330W and 1kW is equal to 1000W. Always remember these terms while you go through the calculation below, or for any other solar system.
No. Panels for 6.6kW Solar System = 6.6kW/330W
= 6600W/330W
= 20 panels
Electricity Output of the 6.6kW Solar System in Sydney
But you might ask how much electricity can I get from a 20 panel 6.6kW Solar System?
A 6.6kW solar system can give you 24 kWh and this output is more than enough for a small-sized Australian home.
However, the above value is an average, and for a more concrete answer, we’ll have to consider a few factors.
Factors that Affect the Output of a 6.6kW Solar System
As mentioned above, there are four factors that can affect the output of your 6.6kW solar system.
- Location and the climate
- Positioning and tilt angle panel array
- Performance of the panels and inverter
- Shades that can be cast on the panel
Among the above four factors, location is the most effective factor for solar panel output. For instance, you might get different outputs in Adelaide and Sydney because of the different climates. And even in Adelaide, you might get different outputs for summer and winter.
So, to understand this clearly, follow the below table that has been created according to the Bureau of Meteorology data.
| City | Output of the 6.6kW Solar System |
| Adelaide | 24-26 kWh |
| Sydney | 22-25 kWh |
| Canberra | 24-27 kWh |
| Brisbane | 25-27 kWh |
| Perth | 26-28 kWh |
| Melbourne | 21-24 kWh |
| Hobart | 19-22 kWh |
| Darwin | 28-30 kWh |
Note: The above calculations were made considering the solar system’s efficiency as 75%.
Area You Need for a 6.6kW Solar System
You now have a good idea about the energy output of these 6.6kW solar systems. Next, you should get a rough idea about the area that you need for such a large system. Getting this number right is crucial, and you should calculate it before you buy.
Calculation 2
If you remember correctly, a 6.6kW solar system consists of 20 panels (330W to 400W panels). A 330W solar panel requires a space of 1.7m2.
So, for 20 panels:
Area for 6.6kW Solar System = 1.7 m2 × 20
= 34 m2
Note: The above value might change according to the size of the panel and the number of panels.
New and Improved 5kW Inverter
Did you know all new 6.6kW solar systems come with a 5kW inverter?
All the new 6.6kW solar systems are equipped with a 5kW inverter considering the 33% panel oversize. I’ll explain this concept properly. But first, here are a few things you should know about inverters in general.
What is Inverter of Solar Panels?
For a solar panel, the inverter is an important piece of equipment. Inverters convert DC (Direct Current) to AC (Alternating Current).
Solar panels generate direct current. But your home’s electrical grid uses alternating current. So now you understand the role of the inverters in a solar panel.
But Why Use a 5kW Inverter for a 6.6kW Solar System?
In Australia, STC aka, Small Scale Technology Certificates allows you to increase the capacity of the inverter by 33%. You can reach this by oversizing the panels.
So, if we do the calculation for 5kW Inverter capacity after increasing panel size by 33%:
Capacity of the Inverter = 5kW × 133%
= 6.65kW
As you can understand, the above value maximizes the output of a 6.6kW solar system. If you have a hard time grasping this term, I’ll explain it a little bit more.
Overclocked Systems
Most 6.6kW solar systems can be labeled as overclocked systems. These systems come with a 5kW inverter. So, you can overclock the 5kW inverter by 33%. All you need is a few extra solar panels. But remember to calculate the number of panels correctly.
Calculation 3
Assume you have a 6kW solar panel with a 5kW inverter. This system runs on 20 panels.
So, if you want to increase the output by 33%:
Number of panels you need = 20 × 133%
= 27
Note: Always do the calculation according to the 133% rule.
6.6kW Solar System in Australia
So far, you have learned about various aspects of the 6.6kW solar system, including the number of panels, their output, the required area, and the use of 5kW inverters.
Are you ready to buy a 6.6 kilowatt package in Sydney or 6.6 kilowatt package in Brisbane? Or any other state in which you are living. But do you have the budget for it? Let’s find out.
Based on Solar PV Price Index data, a 6.6kW solar system will cost you between $3000 and $10000. There are a few common reasons for this price range, and you can find them below.
- State Capital
- Premium Parts
- Installation Cost
State Capital
Depending on the Australian capital you are living in, the cost of the 6.6kW solar system might vary. For better understanding, I’ve put together a simple table.
| State Capital | Price |
| Perth | $5540 |
| Sydney | $5040 |
| Melbourne | $5590 |
| Hobart | $7440 |
| Darwin | $9920 |
| Canberra | $5850 |
| Brisbane | $5770 |
| Adelaide | $5300 |
Premium Parts
Some 6.6kW solar systems are made with premium parts. Some systems have low-end parts. So, you might experience a price difference with some models. If the system comes with premium parts, you’ll have to spend more money since the equipment costs more. Systems with low-end parts are much cheaper.
Installation Cost
The 3rd factor is the installation cost. Installation cost may not be directly related to the cost of a 6.6kW solar system, but it is still an important factor to consider.
For instance, installation cost consists of permits, cost of labor, and cost of other equipment needed for installation.
So, it is wise to consider all the above small costs before contacting solar installers in Sydney or solar installers in Perth.
Capacity of the Solar Batteries for 6.6kW Solar System
If I don’t talk about solar batteries, it would be unfair since these batteries can be mighty useful. However, you’ll have to buy these solar batteries separately (most of the time). That means you can add the solar battery cost to the above solar system cost before making your final decision.
Wrapping Up
Whether you are living in Sydney or Perth, having a solar system is good for your pocket no doubt. Get a free quote for your 6.6kW Fully installed solar system.
Call us on 1800 786 629 or Fill the form here!