The Costs of Off-Grid Solar: What to Expect When Building Your System 

Sky-high bills, sudden power outages, and environmental issues—it's no surprise that Aussies have been looking into alternative energy sources in recent years. So far, solar power has been dominating the field with around 3M Australian households utilising solar systems to power their essential appliances. 

Among the numerous solar power system packages, more and more people are drawn to off-grid solar systems due to their proven record of significantly reducing/eliminating energy bills. Aside from practicality, installing an off-grid system complete with solar panels, batteries, and other components also shields you from power interruptions caused by inclement weather conditions. 

A basic off-grid solar power system consists of solar panels, a battery bank, a solar charge controller, and a solar inverter. The total cost of the entire setup, meanwhile, will depend on the size of the system you're going for as well as the quality and quantity of power components included. 

A Peek Into The Average Prices Of Solar Systems

3kW Solar Panels & 8-10kWh Battery

Price Range: $15,000 to $20,000

Ideal for smaller energy users to go completely off-grid, this system can cover up to 95% of your annual energy requirements assuming that your average daily energy use is at 10kWh per day. Increase your PV system size to 5kWh and the coverage would go up to 99%—perfect for tiny off-grid cabins!

Now let's talk about expenses. A 3kW solar would cost you about $4,500 while a 10kWh power pack can reach up to $9,700 so overall, you're likely to take out a minimum of $15,000 for this which could go higher with extra inclusions such as a generator. 

6kW Solar Panels & 20kWh Battery

Price Range: $35,000 to $40,000

This system size can cover almost the entire power requirements of a household consuming 15kWh to 20kWh a day on average. For a 15kWh energy consumption, this size can account for 99% of your everyday power usage, while for a 20kWh consumption, it can cover up to 95%.

If you want to go totally off the grid, you can add an extra 2kW of solar panels or use a generator to fill in any remaining power shortage.

This would also require about 14 to 16 solar panels which can cost roughly $4,500. You'd definitely be spending more on the battery since it holds a large capacity and might need multiple power packs wired together to deliver the necessary output.

10kW Solar Panels & 30kWh Battery

Price Range: $45,000 to $55,000

This is most suitable for extremely large residential structures or even a business. For a home that uses 35kWh daily, this size would cover 92% of energy consumption and can leave the remaining power needs to a generator. If you increase your PV system size to 15kW, you can also boost your coverage up to 98%. 

However, this comes with a significantly heavier cost as well. The PV system alone can range between $10,000 to $15,000, while the battery can cost around $25,000 or more. 

How Much Will I Save With An Off-Grid Solar System?

Your savings from your off-grid system will vary depending on your energy consumption, the size of your system, your feed-in tariff rate, and the location of your home. 

Generally, you can save up to $400 annually by installing solar so if you set up a 6kWh solar system, you could have up to $2,400 by the end of the year. Add in a battery storage system and you can get much more. 

However, it's still best to use a solar payback calculator or talk with a qualified installer for a more accurate estimate of how much you can get from your off-grid plan. 

In terms of timeframe, it usually takes 4 to 8 years before you can earn back the initial cost of your system. There are reports that this period could go down too, given the looming rise of energy prices in the next 2 years. 

So, Is An Off-Grid Solar System Worth It?

An off-grid solar system is definitely worth the investment given the continuous hike in energy prices. In fact, there is news about more households and businesses switching to solar which shielded them from skyrocketing monthly bills. 

If you're considering installing an off-grid system, make sure to go for a reputable solar installer. This way, you get quality components, expert advice, and trusted workmanship. An off-grid solar system is costly and will take a couple of years to pay you back, so it's crucial to go for providers that are sure to give you the best value for your money. 

On the lookout for solar installers? Check out our available packages off-grid and on-grid packages for you. VoltX has been a leader in alternative energy sources in the country, with a focus on solar and battery storage systems. Request a FREE quote today and let us help you find the best off-grid plan for your home.