A 7kW rating on a solar system means that the system is potentially capable of producing 7 kilowatts (7000 watts) of power at a given moment.
What is a 7kw Solar System?
A 7kW solar system is a medium-to-large sized system that covers close to 100% of the average home's energy use, depending on the location. But what exactly is a 7kW solar system, how much does it cost, and how much can you save by installing one on your home? Read on to find out! Efficiency First!
In other words, a 7kW solar system can only produce 7kW of power if direct sunlight is available. However, the amount of power that a solar system produces isn't what matters the most. What really matters is the average amount of energy (kWh) that the system generates on a daily or monthly basis.
In some areas, a 7kW installation is more than enough to cover 100% of a home's energy use. In fact, the average size of a solar installation in the US is 5.6kW, so a 7kW installation is bigger than what most homeowners have! How many solar panels is that? Solar panels for homes can range in size from a low of 240 watts to a high around 320 watts.
The average cost of a 7kw solar system is $16,500. This price includes the cost of installation and the materials needed for the system. The average payback period for this size system is 5-7 years. This means that after the initial investment, the solar system will save you money on your electric bill for the next 5-7 years.
How much energy does a 7kw Solar System use in Florida?
With the average Florida home using 13,692 kWh each year, a 7kW system will cover about 75% of the average Florida home's energy use. As mentioned, solar energy production and electricity usage differ from state to state. In some areas, a 7kW installation is more than enough to cover 100% of a home's energy use.
In general, a 7kW solar array would require 380 to 450 ft² (35-42 m²) of space. The amount of space that you need for a 7kW solar system would mainly depend on the efficiency of the solar panels used in the installation.