The allure of a self-sufficient, eco-friendly home powered by the sun is undeniable, especially for single-person households. With a well-designed solar system, you can significantly reduce your reliance on the grid, eliminate your electricity bill, and even power your electric vehicle (EV) with clean, renewable energy. However, determining the right system size is crucial before diving headfirst into solar panels and batteries.
This article will empower you to understand the factors influencing your solar system needs for a single-person house, including your electricity consumption, EV charging habits, and battery storage considerations.
Are you looking to save money on your electricity bills and reduce your carbon footprint? Solar energy is the perfect solution! Energy Matters can help you get up to 3 FREE solar quotes from pre-qualified and vetted solar firms in your area.
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Understanding your energy consumption
Before diving into system specifics, understanding your current energy consumption is crucial. Here’s how:
- Check your bills: Look at your past electricity bills to determine your average daily or monthly kWh usage. This provides a baseline for how much solar energy you’ll need to generate.
- Consider your habits: Do you work long hours and use appliances mainly in the evenings? Do you have a pool or air conditioner that guzzles energy? Factoring in these habits ensures your system caters to peak usage times.
- Future-proofing: Are you planning on getting an electric vehicle (EV) soon? Consider the additional energy needed for charging. A typical EV consumes roughly 15-20 kWh per 100km.
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Sizing up your solar panels
The number of solar panels you need depends on your daily energy needs and your roof’s usable space. Here’s a breakdown:
- Low energy users (up to 10 kWh/day): A system of around 3-4 kW, with 10-12 panels, should comfortably cover your basic needs.
- For moderate energy users (10-15 kWh/day): A 5-6 kW system with 16-20 panels is a good starting point.
- For high-energy users (over 15 kWh/day) or EV owners: Consider a 6 kW or higher system with 20+ panels to account for increased consumption.
Important note: These are general guidelines. For a precise recommendation, consult a Clean Energy Council (CEC) -an accredited solar retailer who can assess your situation and sun exposure.
The battery backup dilemma: To be or not to be?
Solar batteries store excess energy generated during the day for use at night or during peak grid pricing times. They offer greater energy independence but come with an additional cost. Here’s how to decide:
- Grid stability and feed-in tariffs: Some Australian regions have less reliable grids or offer lower feed-in tariffs for excess solar energy sold back to the grid. Batteries become more attractive in such scenarios.
- Self-sufficiency goals: If achieving energy independence is a priority, a battery allows you to store solar energy for nighttime use.
- Budgetary constraints: Batteries are a significant investment. Carefully weigh the cost against potential savings on electricity bills.
Battery capacity: A 5-10 kWh battery can provide basic backup for a single-person household. EV owners might consider a larger capacity (10-15 kWh) to accommodate charging needs.
Use our easy-to-use solar power and battery storage calculator to determine the size of your solar system with storage! Our solar calculator will generate performance information and potential savings.
We can send this information to 3 of our pre-vetted and trusted local installers in your area to receive obligation-free solar quotes.
EV Charging: Gearing up for the future
If you own an electric vehicle (EV) or plan to get one, factor in its charging needs. Standard wall outlets provide slow charging, but a dedicated EV charger significantly reduces charging time. Here’s what to consider:
- EV charger power: Level 1 chargers (3.7 kW) are basic but slow. Level 2 chargers (7.4 kW or higher) offer faster charging, ideal for daily use.
- Charging habits: Occasional drivers might be fine with a Level 1 charger. Regular drivers benefit from a Level 2 charger to ensure their EV is ready when needed.
- Solar system integration: Ideally, your solar system should generate enough excess power to offset EV charging needs. A larger system (as suggested in the “High Usage” category) might be necessary to achieve this.
Additional considerations
- Feed-in tariffs: Energy retailers offer varying feed-in tariffs for the excess solar energy you export to the grid. Compare plans to find one that offers a competitive rate.
- Financing options: Several financing options for solar installations, including loans and rent-to-own schemes. Explore these to find the best fit for your budget.
- Government rebates: The Australian government offers financial incentives for installing solar panels and batteries. Check with the Clean Energy Regulator for current rebate programs in your state.
Read more about:
- Home Solar Rebates, Incentives & Subsidies In Australia
- Solar power incentives, loans & rebates for small business
- Solar Battery System Rebates, Subsidies, & Incentives
- Australian Solar Feed in Tariffs Information
- Solar Feed-in Tariff Comparison: Best Tariffs by State and Territory
- Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) information
- Large-Scale Generation Certificates (LGCs)
Powering your future
Solar power offers a sustainable and cost-effective way to meet your energy needs. By understanding your consumption habits, considering future additions like EVs, and consulting with a qualified solar installer, you can design a system that perfectly complements your single-person household. Embrace the sunshine and enjoy the benefits of clean, homegrown energy!
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Ready to go solar? Get an instant assessment
To find out how much a solar system with storage or even an EV charger will cost, try our easy-to-use solar power and battery storage calculator! It will generate performance data and possible cost savings.
We can forward your information to 3 trusted local installers in your area to obtain free, no-obligation solar quotes.
Find out how much you can expect to pay for solar
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*Prices quoted are to be used as a guide only and do not factor in state and other rebates and incentives. Includes STC discount.
Our Energy Matters CEO, Roshan Ramnarain will feature stunning homes installed with the latest solar technology every Saturday at 5:00 p.m. on Open Homes Australia on the 9Life channel. Be sure to watch this show; you won’t want to miss it!
