Switching your electrical system from traditional grid resources to clean solar energy does require some trial and error. Different-sized systems determine the amount of savings and power continuity you can expect. There are many different builds to choose from, but one of the most common is a 10kW solar system.

Before you jump into this system style, it’s essential to consult solar power experts in Ohio to ensure the 10kW system matches your electricity needs and other mitigating factors, such as return on investment, estimated energy savings, and your specific location’s orientation to anticipated sunlight hours. Here is some essential information from our expert team at Castle Energy.

How Much Energy Does a 10 kW System Produce?

10kW of solar energy production equals up to 10,000 watts of electricity per hour, but that is under the best possible conditions. The actual energy output is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), which takes into account the time of use and solar availability.

You can expect a typical 10kW system to produce approximately 35 to 45 kWh per day. That equates to anywhere from 12,800 to 16,400 kWh per year. The average U.S. home uses about 10,791 kWh per year, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. That means running a 10kW solar system should cover most of the electricity needs of your home.

What Affects Output in Ohio?

Just like real estate, solar panels are subject to the golden rule of “location, location, location.” The right solar power experts in Ohio will walk you through how to best position solar panels on the ground, on your roof, or on other buildings to capture enough electricity for annual usage. That may include looking closely at:

• The amount of sunlight exposure, based on the total number of sunny days to increase overall yield.
• How your roof is tilted and what direction you’re facing (30-40 degrees is optimal).
• If you have any shading elements, such as chimneys, trees, or large neighboring buildings, that cast shadows.
• The types of panels you’re using and what system is in place for high efficiency.
• Typical weather conditions that may impact usage, such as snow, temperature shifts, and cloud cover.

Additionally, there is the “X” factor of your typical daily usage. For example, if you have an EV charging station in your garage for 2-3 vehicles, you may be drawing more electricity than can be supplied by a 10kW solar system.

However, if you have a lot of gas-powered items, such as heat, stoves, and clothing dryers, you may never reach the full capacity of a 10kW solar system. Our team can guide you through the anticipated solar usage and coverage to ensure you’re getting the right-sized system for your unique home or commercial property needs.

Is a 10 kW System Cost-Effective?

Castle Energy works diligently to help all clients achieve a high level of ROI on their solar systems. We can recommend current incentives, like any federal Investment Tax Credits (ITCs) or local/regional options that will save you money through rebates.

You may want to review your monthly energy usage from the previous year. That will be a good benchmark of what size system you need and the goals for our custom designs.

The average solar system will have a payback period of anywhere from 8 to 12 years, but we typically see shorter payback periods due to our expertise and experience in adjusting to various specific properties. Most of that cost depends on system design and placement. The more experienced the team you choose (like us), the lower your initial investment and the higher your energy efficiency.

Where to Get Started?

The best way to ensure your 10kW solar system meets your needs is to obtain accurate planning and system design from our solar power experts in Ohio at Castle Energy. We provide tailored solar and wind energy solutions, ensuring your custom system reaches its full potential.

Contact us today and take the first step toward achieving true energy independence through solar energy production.