Solar packages are labeled by size — 6kW, 8kW, 10kW and up. But what does that number mean, and how do you know which one fits your home?

What "kW" means

A system's size in kilowatts (kW) is how much power the panels can produce at their peak, under strong sunlight. A larger system has more panel capacity, so it produces more electricity over a day.

What matters for your bill is the energy produced over time, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) — the same unit printed on your electric bill.

The three things that decide your size

1. How much power you use

Your electric bill is the best starting point. It shows your monthly consumption in kWh. A household that runs several air-cons all day needs a bigger system than one that mostly uses fans, lights and a ref.

2. When you use it

Solar panels produce power during the day, peaking around midday. If most of your usage happens in the daytime (home offices, air-con in the afternoon, businesses), solar can cover a larger share of it directly. If most of your usage is at night, a battery becomes more important.

3. What you want to back up

If you're going hybrid, the battery size depends on which appliances you want running during a brownout and for how long. Lights, fans, Wi-Fi and a ref need far less storage than a whole house with air-cons.

Other things that matter

  • Roof space and direction — how many panels fit, and how much sun they get.
  • Shading from trees or nearby buildings.
  • Budget, and whether you'd like to start smaller and expand later.

How we size your system

We start with your electric bill and a quick look at your roof, then recommend a package that fits how your household actually uses power. You can also browse the packages on our Ask for a Quote page to see an estimated price range for each size.