Everything you need to know about a 3kW solar system for your home
Calculate your cost and savings for a 3kW solar power system
Calculate your cost and savings for a 3kW solar power system
How much does a 3kW solar system cost fully installed?
3kW (kilowatt) solar systems typically sell in the US (as at March 2017) for between $2.95 and $3.50 per watt meaning a cost of between $8,850 and $10,500 before the 26% solar tax credit.
After the 26% solar tax credit this equates to a range of $6,549 to $7,770.
However, the price varies by state and also depending on whether the system is purchased for cash or whether the system is financed. Most solar financing offers have an origination fee of 10-12% and so systems that are financed are usually 10-15% more expensive.
We have a table on the front page of our site showing the cost of a 3kW solar system in your area, both for cash purchase and finance in each state.
It pays to be a cash buyer when it comes to solar !!
How much power will a 3kW solar system produce?
Assuming an unshaded south facing array a 3kW solar power system will produce between 8.7 and 13.8 kWh per day on average over the year depending on the location in which it is installed.
The solar panels calculator above will show you how much power your solar panels will produce for your specific location or you can read our article on how much electricity do solar panels produce?.
How many square feet of roof space will I require to install a 3kW solar system?
Depending on the exact efficiency of the solar panel being used each 1 kw of DC peak solar capacity requires around 66 square feet of roof space meaning a a 3kW solar system will require approximately 198 square feet of roof space.
Find out more about roof requirements for installing solar panels.
What are the best current solar deals available in my city on a 3kW solar system?
To see the best deals available for cash or financed solar systems in your city, you can either use the solar quote comparison tool on our sister site SolarReviews, or use the solar panel calculator at the top of this page. Unfortunately, there is no real way to see this information without handing over your personal details.
Pricing is a solar companies most commercially sensitive information and very few solar companies allow us to share their pricing information with consumers without requiring us to validate your contact information. However, we are very strict with installers about not spamming you and we protect your personal information.
How much will a 3kW system save me?
The amount you would save by installing a 3kW solar power system will vary depending on:
- Your location: More sun = more power = Greater savings
- The amount you pay for power: Obviously the more you pay for power the more money a solar system saves you. Remember when calculating this that the solar will take consumption away from your most expensive bands of power use first.
So although there is no one answer for this question that will be true for everyone I would say the range of savings from a 3kW solar system would be from $500 per year to $850 per year in places with high power prices and a lot of sun.
Is 3kW the right size of solar system for my home?
The answer to this question depends on your location and your power usage. If you use the solar panels calculator it will work out the right sized system for you.