After years of installing off-grid solar systems, we’ve come to understand what a typical setup looks like across Australia. While it’s tempting to simplify the answer to a 12kW system, the truth is, there’s a bit more to it. When designing a system, there are three key components to consider, and the most important of these is the solar panels. These panels generate the power and are actually the most affordable part of the setup.

These days, the size of the solar panel array isn’t strictly determined by solar data or how much energy you use—it’s more about how much roof space you’ve got available on your sheds or other structures. While we generally recommend at least 2-3kW of panels per person in the household, the general rule is simple: the bigger, the better. In practice, we usually end up installing solar panel arrays ranging from 12kW to 15kW on most sheds across Australia.

An interesting point is that the cost difference between a 12kW and a 15kW system is pretty minimal, often just about $500. This is because larger arrays attract more STCs (Small-scale Technology Certificates), making the bigger system more bang for your buck.

Next up is the inverter, which dictates how much power your home can draw from the system at any given time. Here, it’s pretty straightforward: we almost always go with a 12kW inverter, as it fits the needs of most homes. Just for comparison, a typical grid connection gives you around 40A, or roughly 9kW. So, with a 12kW inverter, you’re not only matching but exceeding what you’d get from the grid, making sure your home can comfortably handle its energy demands.

Finally, we come to the battery, which is where a large chunk of your investment will go. We typically install a 20kWh battery, mainly because you need that capacity to provide 12kW of power to match the 12kW inverter. This size also aligns nicely with the average 24-hour energy consumption of a typical Aussie household, making it a solid choice for going off-grid.

So, when you look at the whole package, this is what a typical off-grid system looks like across Australia: a 12-15kW solar panel array, a 12kW inverter, and a 20kWh battery bank. And as for the cost? You’re looking at around $35k for the complete setup. Check out the system pricing and specs here.