How much does a 3KW Solar System cost?

A solar panel system with 3 kW of capacity typically costs around $9,000 — or roughly $6,300 after applying the federal investment tax credit, which can recoup up to 30% of your total upfront costs.

Can a 3KW Solar System power a home?

(In other words, don’t expect a 3kW solar system to power an average American home’s lights, electronics and appliances.) Most solar energy companies will tell you that 3 kW of power isn't enough to cover all your electricity use, but adding a 3kW solar system to your roof or backyard can still help you lower your utility bills.

How many kWh can a 3KW Solar System produce?

For example, according to the Global Solar Atlas, a 3kW system could potentially produce roughly 12 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of solar power per day (about 4,300 kWh per year) near Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. Down south in sunny Albuquerque, New Mexico, however, a 3kW system could produce nearly 16 kWh daily (about 5,700 kWh per year).

How long does a 3KW Solar System take to pay for itself?

Based on our estimated savings of $700 per year, a 3kW solar panel system that costs you $9,000 upfront would take roughly 12.8 years to pay for itself. However, if you were to apply the federal tax credit of 30% and lower your upfront costs to $6,300, the same solar array could pay for itself in about nine years.

How much roof space does a 3KW Solar System need?

Therefore, you are likely to need between 168 and 180 square feet of roof space to accommodate a 3kW system. Although parts of your roof space will not be ideal for solar (i.e., the ideal spot must receive direct sunlight), most homes have at least 150 square feet of usable roof space to spare.

Can a 3 kilowatt solar panel power a small home?

Three kilowatts of solar capacity could power a very small, off-grid home, but it’s likely too little to fully offset the energy use of the average American household. Due to the small size and output, a 3kW solar panel system could be ideal for powering a DIY project.