For business owners who would like to reduce their carbon footprint and at the same time reduce their electricity costs, a 50kW commercial solar panel system with competitive pricing might be a great solution.
50kW solar systems are ideal for medium-sized businesses, and might reduce your need to buy electricity through the grid dramatically. The panels will convert solar energy into usable AC energy that may power machines, production units and other appliances.
In this guide we will take a closer look at 50kW solar system pricing and other relevant information.
How much electricity will be generated by a 50 kW commercial solar system?
The energy production of a 50 kW solar panel system may be affected by weather, system efficiency, panel angle and location.
On average, a 50kW commercial solar panel system will generate approximately 200 kWh of electricity on a daily basis. This is the average power production throughout a year, but keep in mind that the production is normally higher in the summer and lower during the winter months.
Here is the expected average daily energy output of a 50kW commercial solar system in some well-known Australian cities:
- Darwin: 215 kWh
- Perth: 205 kWh
- Brisbane: 200 kWh
- Adelaide: 185 kWh
- Canberra: 185 kWh
- Sydney: 175 kWh
- Melbourne: 160 kWh
- Hobart: 150 kWh
How much roof space will a 50kW PV solar system require?
Most commercial solar panels measure 1 x 1.6m and have an efficiency of 300W. To achieve a system efficiency of 50kW, you would need 167 panels. This would require around 267 m2 of roof space.
If you buy less efficient 275W solar panels, you would need more panels to achieve the same energy outcome. More specifically, you would need 182 panels that would cover around 291 m2 of your roof’s surface.
On the other hand, if you invest in highly efficient 350W solar panels, you would need less panels (143 to be exact). In other words, your system would only require around 228 m2 of roof space.
50kW commercial solar system – pricing and rebates
A 50kW commercial solar system is still relatively expensive, but more affordable than it used to be. Solar prices have reduced significantly during the last decade. The solar market has expanded with more manufacturers and products, and this has led to lower prices.
Is there any solar rebate for businesses?
Yes, to help more businesses invest in solar panel systems, the Australian government will give a solar rebate upon installation. The STC (Small-scale Technology Certificate) rebate will reduce your costs significantly.
One STC certificate has a given market value, and this value will be deducted from your installation costs. The number of STCs you get will define the size of the rebate. So, how many STCs will you get? This will depend on system size and location.
What does a 50kW solar system cost?
On average, a commercial 50kW solar panel system will cost around $52,700. In most cases, the price will be somewhere between $45,000 and $53,000, after deducting the STC rebate (and excluding the GST).
But keep in mind that some solar panel systems might cost more, depending on manufacturer, quality and other factors.
A 50kW solar system will normally cost a bit more in areas like Perth and Hobart, than in Canberra and Sydney, because of different STC rebates. The STC rebate is adjusted according to the expected solar output in your zone.
What is the expected payback period of a 50kW solar system?
The expected payback period is the number of years it will take for your solar system to pay for itself. Thanks to energy savings and feed-in tariffs, your system will eventually pay off. This is why a solar panel system is such a good investment for most businesses.
Normally a commercial solar panel system will have a lifespan of 25 to 30 years. And the payback period is normally not more than 4 or 5 years for a 50kW solar system.
However, note that the payback period may be affected by factors like electricity prices, system efficiency, sunlight conditions etc.
Is a 50kW commercial solar panel system worth it?
Yes. For most medium-sized Australian businesses a 50kW commercial solar panel system will be a great investment. Not only will your system pay for itself within a few years; but you will also reduce the carbon footprint of your business.
By going solar you will prove that your business is eco-friendly, which in turn will be beneficial for your brand name.
Are you ready to go solar? If so, we recommend you find a CEC-approved solar installer to get quotes. The solar installer will be able to tell you if a 50kW commercial solar system is the best choice for your business.