Ultimate Guide to 2kW Solar Panel System

What Is a 2kW Solar Panel System?

Solar panels use photovoltaic (PV) panels to convert sunlight into power. Installing home solar panels or small-scale solar photovoltaic systems on your roof allows you to collect sunlight. The energy is transformed into electricity using an inverter, which may then be exported to the grid or consumed in your home. 

This lowers your household's electricity expenses by reducing the quantity of electricity you must purchase from your energy vendor. Additionally, they can supply the system with more renewable energy for others to consume.

What Are the Distinct Types of Solar Panel Systems?

Solar panel systems can be either off-grid (fully independent, employing battery storage) or grid-tied (connected to the local power grid). Some systems also incorporate hybrid setups, integrating solar energy with additional energy sources for backup power.

What Are the Typical Components of a Solar Panel System?

A 2kW solar panel system generally consists of the structural components below:

Solar Panels: Capture and transform solar energy into direct current (DC) electricity.

Inverter: Convert DC electricity into alternating interest (AC) for home and business use.

Mounting System: Keep the solar panels in place on your roof or ground.

Electrical Wiring and Safety Components: Connect the system to the local power grid or a standalone power supply.

Battery Storage (optional): Store excess energy for nighttime or cloudy days.

Charge Controller (optional): If batteries are used, regulate power flow to prevent overcharging of batteries.

Is a Solar Panel System Right for Your Home?

A 2kW Solar System generally produces about 7.5 kWh to 8.5 kWh of energy daily. Depending on the size of the home and the amount of energy consumed, this is sufficient to power a regular household for a day. The table below illustrates how much electricity a 2kW solar system generates in various parts of Australia.

(Data Source: Go Solar Quotes)

Is Your Home Suitable for a Solar System?

Solar panels convert sunlight into energy when the sun shines on them. Therefore, they are best suited for houses that use energy between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. The more electricity you consume during certain hours, the lower your bill. You can request an assessment by a solar installer to determine if a solar panel system is appropriate for your home. You can also use the following factors to pre-check whether your home is suitable for a solar system.

Condition of the Roof  

Direction of the Roof Facing

Angle of the Roof

Surroundings of the Roof

Rooftop Space

Roof Structure and Its Loading Capacity

Current Safety Condition of Electrical Wiring

Please note that even though a 2kW solar panel system can generally fulfil the daily energy needs of a regular household, you must evaluate your energy consumption patterns and requirements when deciding on the finest solar system for your home.

How to Maximise the Performance of a 2kW Solar Panel System?

The efficiency of a 2kW solar system can be affected by factors such as:

Shading

Roof pitch

Roof orientation

Climate

Location

Solar panel efficiency, size and capacity

Weather conditions

Environmental factors

It is essential to ensure that your solar panels are placed in an optimal direction for sunlight to be received throughout the day to maximise their performance. Also, to ensure the solar panel system consistently operates at peak efficiency and provides the maximum amount of clean, renewable energy to power your home, it is critical to routinely maintain your solar system by cleaning the panels and evaluating their effectiveness.

How Many Solar Panels Are Needed for a 2 kW Solar System?

The number of solar panels needed for a 2kW solar system depends on the panel sizes. The following are typical solar panel sizes for building up a 2kW solar energy system:

250 W x 8 solar panels to make 2.00 kW

280 W x 7 solar panels to make 1.96 kW

300 W x 7 solar panels to make 2.1 kW

330 W x 6 solar panels to make 1.98 kW

350 W x 6 solar panels to make 2.10 kW

370 W x 5 solar panels to make 1.85 kW

390 W x 5 solar panels to make 1.95 kW

400 W x 5 solar panels to make 2.00 kW

420 W x 5 solar panels to make 2.10 kW

450 W x 4 solar panels to make 1.80 kW

480 W x 4 solar panels to make 1.92 kW

500 W x 4 solar panels to make 2.00 kW

How to calculate how many solar panels are needed for a 2 kW Solar System?

2kW ÷ the panel size = the number of panels needed

For example, if you use 250-watt panels:

2000 W ÷ 250 w = 8

You will need 8 250-watt solar panels to make a 2kW Solar System.

What Can a 2kW Solar System Run?

A 2kW solar system is a good choice for small households (1-3 persons) or small enterprises. The system can power a few lights, a television, a refrigerator, and other modest electrical devices. However, this is dependent on how much solar radiation your area receives. If you want to power larger appliances like an air conditioner, dishwasher, washing, and dryer, you should look into a larger system, such as a 6.6 kW solar system.

What Appliances Can a 2kW Solar System Power Routinely?

As calculated above, a 2 kW solar panel system can produce around 8 kWh daily. For a 1–2-bedroom unit, with 8kW hours of Power in total, you can run a lot of electrical appliances. Considering the system's capacity and the energy consumption of the appliances, the table below provides a general idea of the appliances that can be powered by a 2kW solar system daily:

*Please Note: The average weekly usage is divided by seven days to determine the number of hours daily. For example, 74.4% of people use a clothes dryer for every load, and 71.8% of families own one each.

The average household performs 2.5 loads each week, each taking an hour. This equates to an average of 2 hours per week and 0.3 hours per day. Additionally, the preceding chart shows one hour as "1", while half an hour is as thirty minutes. Daily watt figures are taken from the Energy Use Calculator.

Is a 2kW Solar System Enough to Power a House?

A typical Australian household consumes between 16 and 18 kWh of energy daily. As a result, a 2kW solar system would provide more than half of the electricity required to meet the energy demands of a typical dwelling. Even though this is insufficient to power the entire house, as you will still need to draw electricity from the grid, it will help lower your utility expenses and help your home to be more environmentally friendly.

Cost of a 2kW Solar Panel System

The cost of installing a 2kW solar system can range from $4,500 to $13,000. The Cost of building a 2kW solar panel system might vary depending on factors such as the type of solar panel and components you choose, the number of solar panels and size of the solar system, the electrical or other work needed, and the ease of installation.

When calculating the Cost of installing a 2kW solar system, you must first assess your budget and energy requirements. While the initial expenditure may appear high, the long-term financial benefits, such as lower electricity bills and potential earnings from surplus energy exports, might surpass the early costs. 

Household solar systems typically take 5 to 10 years to pay for themselves. The payback term is determined by the system's Cost and size, as well as your location and daily electricity consumption. A 3-kilowatt solar system might save you up to $600 on your annual electricity expenses. The longer you live in your home, the more you'll save. Your installer will provide an estimate of your payback term.

What is the Price of a 2kW Solar System with Batteries?

A 5.6 kWh battery system would be needed for a 2kW solar system. The price range for such a battery would be $4,480 to $11,200 or $800 to $2,000 per kWh. The battery system's type and quality will determine the exact Cost. Therefore, a 2kW solar system with a battery system would cost between $7,980 and $14,700. With a battery system, you may store extra energy for cloudy days or later in the evening when the panels aren't working.

Jackery Solar Generators for Saving Electric Bills

Solar generators offer distinct advantages over traditional, fully installed solar panel systems when considering home backup power, especially in certain situations. Solar generators are designed to be portable, so you can move them around your home as needed or even take them with you on trips. They offer flexibility in powering specific appliances or devices rather than being tied to a fixed, whole-house system.

Solar generators typically cost significantly less upfront than a complete solar panel system with battery backup, making them a more accessible option for many homeowners.

If you want to try solar energy but have a limited budget, consider investing in a solar generator first. We highly recommend the Jackery Solar Generator, which combines Jackery Solar Panels with a Portable Power Station to fully exploit solar energy. Consider using Jackery Solar Generators to maximise your power demands rather than depending entirely on the grid. These portable devices offer an economical and environmentally responsible means of powering your household appliances.  

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus

The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus sets a new benchmark in portable power solutions, offering unparalleled performance, safety, and durability. With a 2 to 12 kWh expandable capacity, it can quickly charge small to large household appliances, making it perfect for home backup power. It combines Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus with SolarSaga 200W; we will introduce them in detail.

Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station

The Explorer 2000 Plus provides 2 kWh of dependable power for home use during outages, potentially extending to 12 kWh. This ensures the operation of essential appliances and maintains connectivity during emergencies. The LiFePO4 battery is designed for longevity, offering a lifespan of up to 10 years with daily usage. The battery capacity will stabilise at 70% following 4,000 charge cycles.

The Explorer 2000 Plus can be recharged through various methods. For instance, an AC socket can be used for 1.7 hours, six SolarSaga 200W solar panels for 2.5 hours, two SolarSaga 200W solar panels for 7 hours, or a carport for 25 hours. With these recharging methods, there is no concern regarding power outages or adverse weather conditions.

Jackery's rapid charging technology, ChargeShield, improves safety and extends battery lifespan through a distinctive stepped variable-speed charging algorithm. Jackery AI's variable-speed charging solution intelligently optimises power, while dual physical protections with 62 mechanisms enhance safety for all energy applications.    

SolarSaga 200W Solar Panel

TÜV Class II Certified Consumer Grade PV Products (IEC TS 63163) are designed for durability, capable of withstanding 4000 folds, and feature a lightweight, impact-resistant construction enhanced by Shock Resistant Technology. Bifacial energy generation utilising advanced Dual-Sided IBC Technology. Resilient to abrupt meteorological fluctuations, it produces energy effectively in low-illumination scenarios. Weighing merely 6.2 kg, this option is 15% lighter than comparable alternatives—immediate deployment within 30 seconds. Establish a solar generator system in under one minute.

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus

Discover the strength and adaptability of the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus, intended to increase your energy independence so that you can save your electric bills relatively. Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus combines a Jackery SolarSaga 100W or 200W solar panel with an Explorer 1000 Plus. This portable generator's amazing 2000W output and sturdy 1264Wh capacity power 99% of equipment, making saving household utility electricity easier.   

Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus Portable Power Station

Similar to the Explorer 2000 Plus, it features expandable capacity. The expandable design allows for the connection of up to three additional battery packs, enhancing its capacity to 5kWh, which is adequate for one to three days of backup power in a residential setting.

The Explorer 1000 Plus's recharging process is straightforward. The SolarSaga 100W can be recharged in 18 hours, while the SolarSaga 200W requires 9 hours for a full charge. It can be recharged using wall outlets in 1.7 hours and carports in 14.5 hours. The LiFePO4 battery cells offer an extended lifespan, supporting 4,000 charge cycles and ensuring reliable performance over a decade. 

The Jackery App enables real-time monitoring and customisation via WiFi or Bluetooth. The Jackery 1000 Plus is designed for durability and efficiency, and it is supported by a 3+2 year warranty that assures users that they will adopt sustainable energy solutions.

SolarSaga 100W Solar Panel

Jackery SolarSaga 100W Solar Panel efficiently converts solar energy into renewable power using a monocrystalline solar cell. Its solar conversion efficiency of 23.7% makes it particularly suitable for outdoor activities and unforeseen power outages. The ETFE-laminated case enhances the solar panel's durability and weighs 4.69 kg. The item is characterised by its lightweight design, foldability, IP65 waterproof rating, and portability, making it suitable for off-grid excursions.

Financial Benefits of a 2kw Solar System

The amount of energy a 2kW solar system can offset is determined by usage patterns, efficiency, and energy utilisation. Time-of-use billing can save you up to $850 per year, whereas flat-rate billing can save you up to $750 per year. Therefore, a 2kW solar system has the potential to cut a quarterly power bill by about $200 if all of the solar electricity is used in the home.

How Much Can You Earn from Exporting Excess Energy?

In most Australian states, households can earn around 8c per kWh extra by exporting excess solar energy back to the local grid. However, the more solar energy exported, the lower the rate of pay.

The actual gains with a 2kW solar panel system by exporting excess energy are affected by many factors, including the location of your home, your energy costs, and the feed-in tariffs. If you use up 50% of the energy your system produces and export 50% to the grid, with a 2kW solar system, you can save about $650 per year, but if you export 100% of your Power produced to the grid, you can only save about $250 per year.

What Is the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES)?

The Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) is an Australian government program focused on tradable certificates known as small-scale technology certificates (STCs). Rooftop solar installations that meet specific requirements are eligible for STCs, which provide financial incentives to families and businesses that install renewable energy technologies. 

STCs apply to most rooftop solar systems in Australia, both residential and commercial. However, adding a battery to your system doesn't increase the number of STCs. By installing or upgrading a rooftop solar system, you will receive a set amount of STCs. Your solar reseller or installer will frequently apply for and sell STCs on your behalf. The value of the STCs will be reflected in your quote as a reduction in the cost of your solar system.

What Is the Estimated Payback Period for a 2kW Solar System?

According to studies, a 2kW solar system has a payback period of 7.5 years. However, the return on investment will vary based on the location and cost of electricity in the surrounding area. A 2kW solar power system has a payback period of 4 to 5 years. To accelerate your return on investment, ensure that your solar system is correctly installed and maintained to increase efficiency and performance. 

As a result, you'll save more money and even return your initial investment sooner. Before purchasing a 2kW solar panel system, it is essential to learn the payback period and long-term savings. This will help you make the right decisions about investing in solar Power and maximising your financial benefits.

2kW Solar Panel System FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about the 2kW solar panel system in Australia.

1. How much Power does a 2-kW solar system produce?

A 2kW solar panel system generally can produce 9 kWh daily. Therefore, you could generate about 270 kWh monthly, covering most of your monthly usage between 250-300 kWh. That is enough to power small 1-2-bedroom homes and commercial spaces.

2. Is a 2kW solar system worth it?

This question depends on your specific circumstances. For small homes or commercial places, saving up to $850 in annual power bills and reducing carbon footprint is worth it. 

3. What can you run on a 2kW solar panel?

With a 2kW solar panel system, you can run a hot water system (50L electric), a microwave, a dishwasher, a refrigerator/ freezer, a washing machine, 2 LCD televisions, a laptop, lights for 1–2-bedroom unit (10 x 7 Watt), LED lights [60W equivalent per globe]), and WIFI daily.

4. How much does a 2kW solar system cost?

According to real-world quotes on the EnergySage Marketplace from the first half of 2024, a 2-kW solar panel system costs $5,500 on average. However, your price may differ since solar costs vary significantly from state to state.

Final Thoughts

A 2kW solar panel system can routinely sustain a small one-to-two-bedroom home or commercial place. Although it might not fully support energy use for larger houses, it can substantially reduce the power bill and positively influence the environment. With the rebate you get from the federal and state governments, a 2kW solar panel system could be finance-friendly, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly.