12kW Solar System in Sydney: Price, Output & Savings in 2025
Are you considering expanding your current solar power system, or perhaps you're starting fresh with a larger system to meet your household’s growing energy needs? A 12kW solar system can be the ideal system size.
But before you decide, it's important to understand the ins and outs of a 12kW solar system. There's a lot to consider from the initial investment and installation costs to the expected power output and savings.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the details about installing a 12kW solar system in Sydney in 2025.
Key Takeaways:
Affordable Prices for 12kW Solar Systems with Installation
A 12kW solar system starts at around $14,400. This pricing includes standard installation and quality components like SolarEdge inverters and Trina Solar panels. There are cheaper alternatives under $14,000 but we don't recommend these systems. They often are less efficient, mid-range panels and have limited customer support.How Much Power a 12kW Solar System Produces in Sydney
A 12kW solar system in Sydney usually generates about 48kWh of energy daily. With high-quality systems like Enphase, you could get even more power. On sunny days, it’s possible to see up to 10% more than the expected output.How Much You Can Save with a 12kW Solar System
With a 12kW system, you could save between $900 and $1,200 on your electricity bills every quarter. The exact savings depend on how much power you use during the day. If you have extra energy, your electricity provider may buy it back from you. This can add to your savings.
12kW Solar System Price
The decreasing cost of photovoltaic panels, mainly due to increased production in China, has driven down overall system prices.
A good-quality 12kW solar power system starts at around $14,400 fully installed, including an inverter from SolarEdge, premium tier-one solar panels such as Trina Solar, and a standard installation.
But is it possible to install a 12kW solar system under $14,000? Yes, it is possible, but there's a catch. These cheaper systems often involve less efficient, mid-range panels, which may lack customer support.
For a larger system like 12kW, prioritising reliability, output, and longevity is crucial.
Investing slightly more upfront in high-quality components can lead to significant savings over time. While a 12kW system can save you on electricity bills, maximising these savings requires significant daytime power usage (around 70 kWh daily in summer). A top-tier system with a potential payback period of 4 years might cost closer to $15,990.
12kW Solar System Output
Based on the Clean Energy Council, a north-facing 12kW solar system in Sydney typically generates around 48kWh daily.
Some factors can influence a system's output beyond its size and orientation. At 1KOMMA5°, we focus on optimising performance.
Our experience using high-quality components like the Enphase system suggests they can potentially exceed CEC's estimates. In some cases, Enphase systems in our installations have delivered an average of 110% of the expected daily output.
You can expect your system to generate more in summer than in winter. On a bright summer day, your 12kW system can generate over 65kWh of power.
That's fantastic for maximising solar savings. However, such a high output can exceed what some households use during the daytime.
We often recommend splitting the panel array across two orientations to distribute the output across the day. Or, add battery storage so that any excess solar power can then be used during the evening.
12kW Solar System: Key Figures
| 12kW System | |
|---|---|
| Number of Panels | From 27 x 450W panels |
| Output | 45kWh a day average (see below) |
| Potential Savings | $900 - $1200 a bill depending on your cost of power |
| Average Payback Period | 3 to 4 years |
| Cost | Starts from $14,400 |
| Suited to | Larger homes using on average around 44kWh a day during the daytime (or over 24 hours with battery storage) |
12kW Solar System Savings
How much you save with a 12kW solar system depends on your daytime power usage. Here's a breakdown:
Reduced Electricity Bills: You'll save between 22 and 30 cents per kWh you use from the solar system.
Feed-in Tariffs: Any excess power you generate can be purchased by your electricity provider at 5 to 13 cents per kWh (depending on your retailer).
Estimated Savings: A 12kW system can save you $900 to $1200 per quarter on electricity bills.
For a deeper dive into how solar power reduces your electricity bill, visit this resource: How Solar Power Reduces Your Power Bill
12kW Solar System-Number of Panels
As the system grows, investing in top-of-the-brand panels to guarantee durability, enhanced performance in various weather conditions, and a longer-lasting system is vital.
Another factor to think about is the available roof space. We can achieve the same output with fewer panels by installing high-efficiency panels.
For instance, we can use 27 panels of 450W each instead of the usual 29 panels of 425W each, saving space and potentially making installation easier.
12kW Micro Inverter Solar System
Microinverters offer a significant advantage: each solar panel operates independently. Over 80% of our systems incorporate microinverter technology for this very reason. This allows for a more flexible design, enabling us to:
Utilise Diverse Roof Areas: Place panels on different roof sections with varying orientations and angles, maximising available sunlight.
Spread Power Generation: A common strategy positions some panels facing north for peak midday output, while others face west to capture the afternoon sun.
Combat Heat Buildup: On larger systems, airflow under central panels can be limited, leading to overheating and reduced output. Microinverters help mitigate this issue, ensuring optimal performance even during hot summer months.
Read more and discover the 10 benefits of Enphase vs a standard system.
More Helpful Articles:
1KOMMA5° Blog
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