If you’re considering installing a solar energy system, you’re probably wondering how much electricity it will generate. A 12 kW system is a good size for most homes, and it will produce sufficient kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per year.
This article will explain how much electricity a 12 kW system produces, as well as the cost and benefits of monthly energy production.
We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions about solar power.
Table of Contents
How Much Power Does a 12kw Solar System Produce?
A 12kw solar system will generate around 16,000 kWh of electricity per year. This is enough to power a home with annual electricity consumption of 1,500 kWh.
The average home in the United States uses about 901 kWh of electricity per month, so a 12kw system would cover about two-thirds of the monthly electricity consumption.
Solar systems are often sized based on the amount of energy they can generate over a year. This is because efficient solar systems produce more energy in the summer when there are more hours of daylight.
In the winter, the solar panel will still generate electricity, but there will be fewer hours of daylight. This means that it will generate less power in the winter than in the summer.
However, even though a 12kw system will produce less power in the winter, it will still generate enough energy demand to cover the majority of a home’s monthly consumption.
How Many Solar Panels Are in a 12kw System?
A 12kw solar system will have about 40 panels. The exact number of how much roof space they take will depend on how many kwh they can produce and on how much space your home has.
For example, if the panels are 250 watts each, then a 12kw system will have 40 panels. But if they are 300 watts each, then a 12kw system will have 36 of them.
The number of panels also depends on the equipment efficiency of the panels. More efficient panels can generate more power with fewer panels.
How Much Does a 12kw Solar System Cost?
The cost of a 12kw solar system will vary depending on the price of a panel and the solar installation costs in your area.
However, the average cost of a 12kw solar system is around $19,000. This includes the fixed price of the panel, inverter, and solar installation.
Solar panel prices have been falling in recent years, so the cost of a 12kw system has also fallen, but we cannot say the same for the solar installation cost. The cost of a 12kw system has fallen by about 30% in the last five years.
What Are the Benefits?
Solar power has several benefits over traditional forms of energy.
- Renewable energy – So it will never run out.
- Clean Energy – It doesn’t produce pollution like coal and natural gas.
- Cheaper – Maybe you didn’t know this fact, but it s cheaper than traditional forms of energy. The price of solar has fallen by more than 80% in the last decade, and it is now cheaper than coal and natural gas.
- Efficient – Last but not least it is becoming more efficient. The average solar electricity output of high-efficiency solar panels has increased from 15% to 20% in the last decade.
This means that more of the sun’s surplus energy is being converted into electricity. More efficient solar panels are expected to develop further in the future.
Does a 12kw System Offer Enough Monthly Energy Production?
A 12kw solar system will produce around 900 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per month.
This is enough to cover the majority of a home’s monthly consumption. The average home uses about 900 kWh per month.
If you want to generate enough energy to cover your entire consumption, then you may need high power or a large system.
How Many Solar Panels Will a 12kw Take?
A 12kw solar system will take up about 100 square feet of roof space.
Solar panels are usually about four feet wide and eight feet long. So, a 12kw system will need about 25 solar panels.
However, the exact amount of how many solar panels a 12kw solar system will take up will depend on the size and shape of your roof.
It is also important to note that solar energy can be installed on the ground, so you don’t necessarily need a large roof to install larger systems.
How Does a DC Direct Current Power Work with a 12kw?
A solar system produces DC direct current power which is the type of current that the system generates and flows in a single direction. Most solar panels produce DC power.
To use direct current from the solar system, you will need to have an inverter.
The DC energy from the solar panel will flow into an inverter. The inverter will convert the DC power into alternating current (AC) power. AC power is the type of current that powers your home.
Finance Repayments on a 12kw Solar System.
There are several ways to finance a solar system. The most popular way to finance it is through a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). 
Solar lease of PPA
With a solar lease or PPA, you make monthly payments to the solar company for the power that your system produces.
Solar leases and PPAs are a good option for people who don’t have the upfront cash to pay for a solar system.
Solar Loan
Another popular way to finance a solar system is through a solar loan. With a solar loan, you borrow money from a bank to pay for it.
You then make monthly payments to the bank for the loan. Solar loans are a good option for people who have the upfront cash to pay.
The average payback period for a solar system is about seven to eight years. This means that it will take about seven to eight years for you to make back the money that you paid.
Pay in cash
The final way to finance a solar system is with cash. If you have the cash to pay for it, then you will not have to make any monthly payments.
However, you will need to pay for the system upfront. The average cost of a 12kw is about $12,000. For more accurate information, please refer to the site of the National Renewable Energy Lab.
Are There Any Tax Credits for 12kw System?
You may be eligible for a federal tax credit if you install a 12kw solar system.
The federal tax credit is 30% of the cost of the system. So, if you paid $12,000 for your system, you would receive a $3,600 tax credit.
You may also be eligible for state and local tax credits.
The solar company that you purchase your system from can help you determine if you are eligible for any incentive package.
How Long Does It Take to Install a 12kW Solar System?
It usually takes about two weeks to install a 12 kW solar system.
However, the exact amount of time it will take to install your panels will depend on the size and complexity of your roof.
It is also important to note that solar panels can be installed on the ground, so you don’t necessarily need a large roof to install panels.
Should You Install Solar Panels or Solar Array?
Solar panels and solar arrays are both options for generating solar energy from the sun.
Solar panels are the most popular option for residential customers. Residential solar panels are less expensive than solar arrays and can be installed on most roofs.
Solar arrays are most popular with commercial customers. Solar arrays cost more than solar panels, but they can generate more current.
As well, a solar array facing south generates much more current and is considered that the solar array facing south receives around 5 hours of direct sunlight.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about a 12kw Panel?
Here is a list of most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about a 12kw solar panel
Should you hire installers for a 12kw system?
Local installers are not required for a 12 kW solar panel system.
However, hiring local installers may be a good option for you if you want the peace of mind of having someone nearby to help with any problems that may arise.
It is also important to note that some solar companies offer installation services.
How much does a 12kw solar array cost?
In general, a 12kw solar array will cost about $30,000.
Do you need battery storage for a 12kw system?
You don’t need solar batteries for a 12 kW panel.
A 12kw eco-friendly panel will produce enough current to cover the majority of your home’s consumption.
The excess energy that is produced during the daytime will be sent to the grid. You can then use this current at night or on cloudy days.
What type of maintenance is required for a 12kw?
Solar panels require very little maintenance.
You will need to clean your panels about once a year to remove any dirt or debris that has accumulated on them.
Other than that, you will not need to do anything to maintain your solar panels.
What is the lifespan of a 12kw?
Solar panels have a lifespan of about 25 years.
However, the exact lifespan of your solar panels will depend on the type of panels you have and how well you maintain them.
Is there a warranty on a 12kw panel?
Most solar companies offer warranties on their products. The length of the warranty will vary depending on the company and the product.
Is 12kW a good solution for potential savings for businesses?
12 kW is a good investment for small businesses. A 12kW will offset the majority of your business’s electricity usage.
The excess energy that is produced during the daytime can be used to power your business at night or on cloudy days.
Do you earn money with a 12kW solar panel?
You can make money with 12kW solar collectors by selling the excess electricity that is produced during the daytime.
The average amount you can make will vary depending on the state you live in and the rate that your utility company pays for solar electricity rates.
How long does it take to recoup the cost of a 12kW system?
The amount of time it takes to recoup the total cost of 12kw residential solar panels will vary depending on the state you live in and the price you paid for it. In general, it will take about 10 years to recoup the cost of your investment.
Final Thoughts
A 12kW solar system is a good solution for small businesses and homes. The system will offset the majority of your power usage and you can earn money by selling the excess current that is produced during the daytime.
