13kW Solar system price, output, payback period

A complete guide to 13kW solar panel systems.

A 13kW Solar System is an ideal choice for residential properties with high power consumption, as well as small to medium sized commercial properties with mid-level energy requirements.

The image shows a solar panel connected to an inverter with the sun shining on the panel. The adjacent text says '13kW solar system consists of an inverter and between 31 - 36 solar panels'.

Our straightforward guide to 13kW Solar Systems in Australia provides essential information around pricing, energy output, payback periods, as well as rebates and incentives available in various states and territories around Australia.

How much does a 13kW solar system cost?

The average cost of a fully installed 13kW Solar System in Australia ranges from $12,200 - $14,600 depending on your location, the quality of materials used, and the complexity of the installation.

As a guide, we generally advise that consumers can expect to pay roughly $1,000 per kW. i.e. a 6.6kW system may cost around $6,600 to install, whereas a 10kW system may cost around $10,000 to install.

Just like anything, you get what you pay for. There is no shortage of cut-price solar companies in Australia that will quote significantly cheaper than $1,000 per kW, however, it’s important to consider the full picture when comparing suppliers. The quality of materials, workmanship, and the warranty offered will vary dramatically between companies, so it’s important to keep this in mind when comparing solar quotes.

Average 13kW system prices by city:

CityPrice
Adelaide$12,727
Brisbane$12,493
Melbourne$12,911
Perth$12,350
Sydney$12,467

How much energy will a 13kW solar system produce?

A 13kW Solar System will produce somewhere between 40-60 kWh per day depending on your location, the positioning of your solar panels, and a range of other important factors.

In the right conditions, a 13kW Solar System can produce more 2,000 kWh each month or more than 24,000 kWh of electricity each year. Given that the average Australian household consumes around 18kWh to 22kWh of electricity each day, a 13kW Solar System will be more than enough for typical daily energy consumption with enough to feed back into the grid for additional financial benefits.

13kW system output in major cities:

CitySolar output
Adelaide54.5 kWh
Brisbane54.5 kWh
Melbourne46.9 kWh
Perth57.1 kWh
Sydney50.6 kWh

Is a 13kW solar system enough to power a family home?

Yes, a 13kW Solar System will (in most cases) be more than enough to power the average family home in Australia.

As we mentioned above, a 13kW Solar System will produce somewhere between 40-60 kWh each day. This figure is significantly higher than the average Australian household consumption, which is around 18kWh to 22kWh of electricity each day.

How much roof space is required for a 13kW solar system?

The image shows the outline of a house with the sun shining on solar panels on side of the roof. Text below explains that roof area of between 53 - 62m2 will be required to fit the 31 - 36 panels that make a 13kW system.

The amount of roof space required to accommodate a 13kW solar system depends on the size and the capacity of solar panels that you choose to use. A typical solar panel takes up 1.7m2 or roof space, the power output of panels ranges from 330 to 400 watts per panel.

For the sake of providing a guideline, let’s assume that the average solar panel is 1.7m2 and produces 400 watts per panel. A 13kW system would therefore require approximately 33 solar panels and require approximately 56.1 m2 of roof space to accommodate these panels.

This is, of course, just one example that does not account for the differing size of solar panels and the power output per panel that they may produce. For properties where space is of the essence, it’s worthwhile consulting directly with a solar provider who can inspect and advise on the available options for a 13kW Solar System to suit your property.

Payback period of a 13kW solar system – State by state

Switching to solar energy requires a considerable initial output for Australian residents and businesses. If, like most of us, you’re looking to find out how long it will take to recoup the upfront cost of your investment, the table below sheds valuable insights.

The figures assume the average daily electricity use is 38kWh and average daily supply values have been used.

CityCostElectricity priceFeed-in tariffSelf-consumptionAnnual savingsPayback period
Adelaide $12,727 $0.43 $0.0737% $3,2903.9
Brisbane $12,493 $0.28 $0.0737% $2,5504.9
Canberra $12,848 $0.23 $0.0837% $2,4105.3
Darwin $22,152 $0.29 $0.1137% $3,3906.5
Hobart $13,565 $0.26 $0.1137% $2,5745.3
Melbourne $12,911 $0.28 $0.0537% $2,1056.1
Perth $12,350 $0.26 $0.0737% $2,5464.9
Sydney $12,467 $0.33 $0.0737% $2,6534.7

It’s important to remember that your solar payback period will depend on a myriad of factors that are unique to your solar setup, your location, and your energy consumption.

Is a 13kW solar system right for you?

Ok, now that we know the upfront costs, projected output, roof space required, and the estimated payback period of a 13kW Solar System in Australia, the critical question is “Is a 13kW solar system right for you?”.

As much as we would like to tie a neat bow on this, the truth is, it will depend entirely on the amount of roof space that you have available, your unique energy requirements, and a number of other key factors that only you can answer.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re looking at a 3kW, 5kW, 6.6kW, 10kW, or 13kW solar system – it’s important to do the numbers before you make any big decisions. Evaluating recent energy bills, your energy consumption habits, available solar rebates, and the latest available feed in tariffs in your location will all help you to determine the right system for your property.

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