7.7KW Residential Solar System
What is a 7.7kW Solar System?
A 7.7kW solar system is designed to meet the energy needs of medium to large households or small businesses. It’s a powerful setup that can produce substantial electricity savings, reduce carbon emissions, and contribute to energy independence. This system size is slightly larger than the popular 6.6kW systems and offers more capacity to generate and store energy, making it ideal for those with higher electricity consumption.
How Many Solar Panels Does a 7.7kW Solar System Have?
A 7.7kW system typically includes 20 to 24 solar panels, depending on the wattage of the panels. Modern panels range from 440W to 500W each. The exact number of panels will depend on the specific wattage of each panel and their efficiency.
| Panel Capacity | Number of Panels |
|---|---|
| 440W | 18 panels |
| 475W | 17 panels |
| 500W | 16panels |
How Much Electricity Does a 7.7kW Solar System Produce?
A 7.7kW solar system typically generates between 28 to 34 kWh of electricity per day, depending on factors like location, roof orientation, and weather conditions. This output is more than enough to meet the energy needs of medium to large households or small businesses in Australia.
- In Sydney, a 7.7kW system can produce around 28 to 30 kWh daily.
- In Brisbane, output increases to about 30 to 33 kWh.
- Perth sees one of the highest production levels, at around 32 to 34 kWh per day.
These estimates assume optimal conditions such as minimal shading and panels installed at the right angle. The actual output will vary seasonally, with more energy produced in summer than in winter
What are the NSW Rebates for the 7.7kW Solar System?
In New South Wales (NSW), homeowners can take advantage of the federal Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), which provides rebates in the form of Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). These STCs reduce the upfront cost of solar installations. For a 7.7kW system, you can expect to receive around 85 to 95 STCs, depending on your location, which could equate to a rebate of around AUD 2,500 to AUD 3,500
How Long Will it Take for the System to Pay for Itself?
The payback period for a 7.7kW solar system typically ranges between 3 to 5 years, depending on factors such as energy usage, local electricity rates, and system installation costs. This period may be shorter if you benefit from government rebates and feed-in tariffs. Over time, solar systems generate substantial savings on electricity bills, which helps recoup the initial investment.
- Energy savings: Up to AUD 1,500 – AUD 2,000 annually.
- Government rebates: Can reduce upfront costs significantly.
- Feed-in tariffs: Income from exporting excess energy to the grid.
What is the Cost of a 7.7kW Solar System?
The cost of a 7.7kW solar system in Australia can range between AUD 6,000 to AUD 11,000, depending on factors like the quality of the panels, the type of inverter, and the complexity of installation. Lower-end systems using less efficient panels and basic inverters will be on the cheaper side, while premium systems with high-efficiency panels and top-tier inverters are more expensive. Additionally, government rebates such as the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) can reduce the upfront cost by around AUD 2,500 to AUD 3,500, depending on the number of Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) available in your area
| System Component | Cost Range (AUD) |
| Solar Panels (20-24 panels) | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| Inverter (6kW – 7kW) | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Installation | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Tilt Frames (if required) | $300 – $700 |
| Additional Electrical Work | $500 – $1,000 |
| Total System Cost (before rebates) | $6,000 – $11,000 |
These costs may vary based on your location, installer, and specific system components chosen.
Inverter and System Performance
Most 7.7kW systems use a 6kW to 7kW inverter to manage the system’s energy output. The inverter converts the Direct Current (DC) generated by the panels into usable Alternating Current (AC) for household appliances. Some systems may slightly “overclock” the inverter, allowing the solar panels to produce more electricity in low-light conditions, but with a cap on peak production.
Considerations for Battery Storage
Adding a battery to your 7.7kW system allows you to store excess energy and use it during nighttime or peak electricity pricing periods. Batteries are particularly useful for energy independence and protection from grid outages.
What Are the Cost Implications of Adding a Battery?
A battery typically costs around AUD 1,300 to AUD 2,000 per kWh of storage capacity. For a 7.7kW system, a 10 to 13.5 kWh battery would be ideal, adding an extra AUD 13,000 to AUD 20,000 to your solar system costs. However, this can significantly reduce your reliance on the grid and lower electricity costs in the long run.
What Warranties Are Included with a 7.7kW System?
Most 7.7kW solar systems come with robust warranties, including:
Panel Warranty
Typically 10-25 years for performance guarantees.
Inverter Warranty
Generally 5-10 years.
Workmanship Warranty
Installers often provide a 5-10 year warranty on installation work
Ready to Install a 7.7KW Solar System?
Start saving on your energy bills today by installing a 7.7kW solar system! Contact us now to get a free, no-obligation quote from certified solar installers in your area.