A 100kW solar system is a sizable installation typically used by large residential properties, commercial buildings, industrial facilities, or farms. It can generate substantial amounts of electricity and is designed to meet the high energy demands of these larger users. This blog will answer all your questions about a 100kW solar system, from how much energy it produces to whether it’s the right choice for you.
How Much Energy Does a 100kW Solar System Produce?
Solar energy production is directly affected by the amount of sunlight an area receives, measured in peak daily sunshine hours. The more peak sun hours there are, the more energy a system can produce. On average, a 100kW solar system can generate 350 to 500 kWh per day, or 120,000 to 160,000 kWh per year. This range is based on the typical performance of a well-maintained system in a location with moderate sunlight.
Here’s a rough estimate of daily energy generation for a 100kW system in various states based on average peak sun hours:
| State | Average Peak Sun Hours/Day | Energy Generation (kWh/day) |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 5.5 - 6.0 | 550 - 600 |
| California | 5.0 - 5.5 | 500 - 550 |
| Nevada | 5.5 - 6.0 | 550 - 600 |
| Texas | 4.5 - 5.5 | 450 - 550 |
| Florida | 4.5 - 5.0 | 450 - 500 |
| New York | 3.5 - 4.0 | 350 - 400 |
| Washington | 3.0 - 3.5 | 300 - 350 |
| Oregon | 3.5 - 4.0 | 350 - 400 |
| Illinois | 3.5 - 4.0 | 350 - 400 |
| Colorado | 5.0 - 5.5 | 500 - 550 |
| North Carolina | 4.5 - 5.0 | 450 - 500 |
| Georgia | 4.5 - 5.0 | 450 - 500 |
For other countries such as Australia, Germany, France, etc., you can use this formula: Daily energy output = solar system capacity × peak sunshine hours, which can roughly calculate the daily power generation, but this is only an estimate. More detailed calculation results require more data. You can contact us to help you calculate
How Much Does a 100kW Solar System Cost?
The cost of a 100kW solar system can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, including location, installation company, equipment quality, labor costs, and available incentives.
Typical Cost Range for a 100kW Solar System
On average, the cost of a 100kW commercial solar system in the U.S. ranges from $150,000 to $250,000. This price includes the cost of the solar panels, inverters, racking, installation, and other necessary components.
Below is an approximate range of costs for a 100kW system in different U.S. states.
| State | Estimated Cost of 100kW System | Cost per Watt (installed) |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | $150,000 - $220,000 | $1.50 - $2.20/watt |
| California | $180,000 - $250,000 | $1.80 - $2.50/watt |
| Nevada | $150,000 - $215,000 | $1.50 - $2.15/watt |
| Texas | $160,000 - $230,000 | $1.60 - $2.30/watt |
| Florida | $160,000 - $220,000 | $1.60 - $2.20/watt |
| New York | $170,000 - $240,000 | $1.70 - $2.40/watt |
| Washington | $160,000 - $230,000 | $1.60 - $2.30/watt |
| Oregon | $160,000 - $225,000 | $1.60 - $2.25/watt |
| Illinois | $170,000 - $240,000 | $1.70 - $2.40/watt |
| Colorado | $160,000 - $220,000 | $1.60 - $2.20/watt |
| North Carolina | $160,000 - $225,000 | $1.60 - $2.25/watt |
| Georgia | $160,000 - $225,000 | $1.60 - $2.25/watt |
Federal & State Incentives
- Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC): Currently, the ITC provides a 30% tax credit for solar installations, reducing the upfront cost by up to 30% in many cases.
- State Programs: Some states offer additional rebates, sales tax exemptions, and grants, which can further reduce costs.
- System: 100kW solar system
- Cost Range: $160,000 to $220,000 (for most states)
- Federal Tax Credit: 30% of the system cost, which can reduce the cost by up to $66,000.
- Final Cost after ITC: Approximately $94,000 to $154,000 (after applying the ITC).
How Many Solar Panels Are Needed for a 100kW Solar System?
Determining the number of solar panels required for a 100kW solar system depends on the wattage of the panels you choose. Typically, solar panels come in various wattages, such as 250W, 320W, or 400W. Let's break down the calculations to understand how many panels are needed for a 100kW system.
Choosing the Right Solar Panel Wattage
The wattage of the solar panels you select will significantly impact the total number of panels required. For example:
- 250W panels: You would need approximately 400 panels to reach 100kW (100,000W / 250W per panel).
- 320W panels: You would need about 313 panels (100,000W / 320W per panel).
- 400W panels: You would need around 250 panels (100,000W / 400W per panel).
Choosing higher wattage panels can reduce the total number of panels needed, thereby potentially lowering the installation costs and space requirements.
Calculating the Space Needed
The physical space required for a 100kW solar system also depends on the size of the panels. Standard solar panels typically measure about 1.65 meters by 1 meter (65 inches by 39 inches) and cover approximately 1.6 square meters (17 square feet) per panel.
- For 250W panels, you would need around 400 panels, occupying about 640 square meters (6,880 square feet).
- For 320W panels, 313 panels would cover roughly 500 square meters (5,380 square feet).
- For 400W panels, 250 panels would take up approximately 400 square meters (4,300 square feet).
Ground-mount solar systems require more space than rooftop solar systems, with a 100kW rooftop solar system requiring approximately 650 to 1,000 square meters (7,000 to 10,800 square feet) of roof space. Ground-mount solar systems take up approximately 800 to 1,200 square meters (8,600 to 12,900 square feet) of land.
How Much Can a 100kW Solar System Save on Electricity Bills?
The amount of money saved on electricity bills depends on several factors, including the system’s energy production, local electricity rates, and consumption patterns. Here’s how you can estimate potential savings:
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Energy Production: As discussed earlier, a 100kW solar system can produce between 350 and 500 kWh per day, depending on location and system efficiency. Annually, this translates to approximately 127,750 to 182,500 kWh.
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Electricity Rates: Determine your current electricity rate per kWh. Multiply the system’s annual energy production by your electricity rate to estimate annual savings. For example, if your electricity rate is $0.12 per kWh, and your system produces 150,000 kWh annually, your savings would be approximately $18,000 per year ($0.12/kWh * 150,000 kWh).
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Return on Investment (ROI): Calculate how long it will take to recover your initial investment through electricity savings. This is known as the payback period. Factors such as government incentives, tax credits, and financing options can shorten the payback period significantly.
Do You Need a 100kW Solar System?
A 100kW system generates far more electricity than most homes need, and is not suitable for residential use. If a 100kW system is beyond your needs, you can also consider a 5kW to 15kW system, which can meet the energy usage of a typical home. You can take a look at our 5kw and 10kw solar systems.
Suitable Users for a 100kW Solar System
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Large Commercial or Industrial Facilities: Businesses with high energy demands, such as manufacturing plants, warehouses, or large retail stores, can benefit greatly from a 100kW solar system. It helps offset substantial electricity consumption and provides a reliable source of renewable energy.
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Schools and Universities: Educational institutions often have large rooftops or available land suitable for solar installations. A 100kW system can help these institutions reduce operating costs and demonstrate environmental leadership.
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Farms and Agricultural Operations: Agricultural facilities that require electricity for irrigation, storage, and processing can leverage a 100kW solar system to lower operational expenses and stabilize energy costs.
Conclusion
A 100kW solar system represents a robust investment in renewable energy for businesses and organizations looking to reduce operating costs, stabilize energy expenses, and demonstrate environmental leadership. By harnessing the power of the sun, these systems not only provide substantial electricity savings over their operational lifespan but also contribute to a sustainable future by reducing carbon emissions. If you need to design a 100kw solar system, you can contact Shielden, we have rich experience in designing large solar projects
