3kW Solar System

3kw solar system

Sizing together the parts of a solar system is a difficult task for someone who has never done it before. That’s why we offer pre-combined solar systems at A1 SolarStore: our engineers pick the parts so that they fit together well. We offer 3kw solar systems for sale that can be designed to match your needs: grid-tie, off-grid and hybrid variations.

What can a 3kw solar system run

While 3 kW is a relatively small power capacity for a solar system, it is more than enough for any mobile installation, such as an RV or a boat system. It also can substantially lower the dependance of your house on commercial electricity. A 3kw solar panel system can produce from 10 to 15 kWh per day, depending on your location, system positioning, weather, shading and, of course, panels themselves. Grid-tie installation allows you to sell energy to the utility, making your system pay for itself in 6-8 years on average.

If you are looking to power a house in a remote location where there are no power lines, you can pair a 3kw solar system with battery. Generally, you would prefer to have an energy bank of such a capacity that would give you a complete energy autonomy for 1-2 days. Keep in mind, however, that 3 kW is a relatively modest capacity, thus this solar power system most likely won’t be able to support, for instance, a house with an air conditioning unit on its own.

3kw solar system cost

The final cost of your system depends on a number of factors, such as your system design, type of installation, installer services, your location and, of course, the panels that you choose. Let’s briefly go over them.

When it comes to PV modules, the cheapest ones come from China. The world’s largest brands are all Chinese: Jinko, Trina, JA, LONGi Solar. Their panels show high efficiency rates, but their warranties are pretty average. North American panels are more expensive, but their quality is high. The most expensive and the most advanced PV modules come from brands like LG, Panasonic and Sunpower.

Design matters

The 3kw solar system prices also vary depending on configuration. Ground-based systems are always cheaper than rooftop installations, though ground installations are more common with systems larger than 3 kW, especially of a commercial and industrial scale. Panels on the ground also require more maintenance because they get dirty quicker, but you can adjust their positioning and angle more easily for better production.

Grid-tie 3000 kw solar system is the cheapest option. All that you’ll need is an inverter and some panels: from 6 to 10 modules. You can pick either a string inverter or pair your modules with microinverters. Microinverters are a slightly more expensive option but they are more efficient, long-lasting and have better monitoring capabilities. If your system will experience shading, you should pair a string inverter with solar optimizers.

A hybrid 3kw solar kit is different in a way that it must have a special type of inverter. Hybrid inverters support energy storage and some models even have a built-in battery and a controller for it. A hybrid system ensures uninterrupted power supply: whenever a power outage happens in the grid, the inverter switches your house to battery support. It’s especially important when you, for instance, work from home.

An off grid 3kw solar system always requires batteries — and batteries are expensive in general. You need an energy storage for night consumption and for days when panels don’t produce enough. Lead-acid batteries were the go-to choice for many years, but lithium-ion batteries are better. They are pricey, but they last longer, they are more efficient and their depth of discharge is higher.

Apply for incentives

The American government puts a lot of hope into solar and helps citizens to switch to solar energy. You can greatly offset your 3 kw solar system cost by applying for different programs, federal or local. The most important one of them is the Federal Solar Tax Credit: in 2022 you can get back 26% of your installation cost through taxes. You can ask your contractor about all the incentives that can be available to you and he may help you with the paperwork.

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