A 3.5kW solar system is a popular midsize charging solution that can charge most indoor or outdoor appliances for long hours. The system typically costs $10,150, though it will be reduced to $9,380 after the 30% federal tax rebate program. You will need at least 7 - 11 solar panels to build a 3.5kW solar system, though the exact number will depend on the wattage and efficiency of each panel.
If you don't have a lot of roof space to install the panels or are looking for an affordable charging solution, consider Jackery Solar Generators. They are powerful, portable, and efficient charging solutions that can charge most indoor or outdoor appliances whenever you need them. Since the solar generators are portable, you don't have to spend money on installation.
What is a 3.5kW Solar System?
A 3.5kW solar system has a peak power output of 3.5 kilowatts or 3500 watts, meaning it can generate a maximum of 3500 watts of electricity under ideal sunlight conditions. It is generally considered suitable for smaller households and can provide enough power for essential appliances and lighting needs.
What Does a 3.5kW Solar System Include
A 3.5kW solar system includes solar panels with a combined power output of 3.5kW, a solar inverter, mounting structure, wiring, and a battery storage system. Depending on the specific setup, it may include around 10 - 12 solar panels with a wattage of around 300W. Here are the key components of a 3.5kW solar system and their function:
Solar Panels: These are the primary components of the 3.5kW solar system, which converts sunlight into electricity and has a combined output of 3.5kW.
Solar Inverter: The inverter converts the direct current generated by the solar panels into the alternating current that can be used at home.
Mounting Structure: The structure is essential to securely attach the solar panels to the inverter and other components of the 3.5kW solar system.
Wiring and Connectors: Cables and connectors help connect the solar panel to the inverter and other system components.
Optional Battery Storage: The battery backup helps store excess solar power for use when the sun isn't shining.
What Does Jackery 3.5kW Solar System Include
While Jackery does not offer a solar generator with an output of 3500W, you can check out Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro with a battery capacity of 3024Wh. Let's check out what the 3kWh solar system includes:
Foldable Solar Panels: The Jackery SolarSaga 200W Solar Panels have an efficiency of 24.3% and can charge the portable power station faster. These are foldable and portable so you can carry them anywhere you go.
Portable Power Station: The Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro Portable Power Station features a built-in pure sine wave inverter that can convert DC to AC electricity to charge indoor or outdoor appliances, helping you cut down on high electricity bills.
With the compatible Jackery cables and connectors, you can connect the solar panels and portable power stations to charge the appliances.
How Many Panels in 3.5kW Solar System
The number of solar panels required for a 3.5kW solar system depends on the wattage of the individual panel. If we assume you have 350W panels, all you need to do is divide the system size (3.5kW) by the panel wattage to determine the number of panels. In this case, you would need around 10 solar panels.
How Many Panels Are Needed in a 3.5kW Solar System
The number of solar panels required to build a 3.5kW solar system depends on the wattage of the panels. The simple method to calculate how many panels are needed in a 3.5kW solar system is by dividing the system size by the panel wattage. Here are some standard solar panel sizes that can make up a 3.5kW system:
- 200W (18 × solar panels to make 3.6kW)
- 300W (12 × solar panels to make 3.6kW)
- 350W (10 × solar panels to make 3.5kW)
- 400W (8 × solar panels to make 3.2kW)
- 450W (8 × solar panels to make 3.6kW)
- 500W (7 × solar panels to make 3.5kW)
You can also use the PV Watts calculator from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to calculate the number of solar panels needed to build a 3.5kW solar system.
How Many Batteries Are Required to Build a 3.5kW Solar System
For a 3.5kW solar system, typically, you would need at least two 200Ah, 12V deep cycle batteries connected in series to achieve the necessary voltage, depending on your inverter configuration and desired backup time. However, the number of batteries needed will depend on several factors, such as battery capacity, daily power usage, and expected backup time.
Estimated 3.5kW Solar System Cost
The total 3.5kW solar system costs depend on the equipment cost and the installer you choose. Here, we will calculate how much a 3.5kW solar system costs:
How Much Does a 3.5kW Solar System Cost
On average, the 3.5kW solar system costs $10,150, which reduces to $9,380 after the 30% federal tax rebate program. The amount is calculated based on data from the U.S. Solar Photovoltaic System and Energy Storage Cost Benchmark Report by NREL (Q1 2023). However, the 3.5kW solar system price will differ depending on where you live, other solar incentives and rebates offered by the state government, etc.
How Much Does a 3.5kW Solar System with Battery Backup Costs
The 3.5kW solar system with battery backup costs more than the PV-only system. Based on the data from the U.S. Solar Photovoltaic System and Energy Storage Cost Benchmark Report by NREL (Q1 2023), the 3.5kW solar system with battery costs $16,450 after deducting the solar tax rebate. However, one must understand that solar system costs depend on many factors, such as the area where you live, installation expenses, etc.
In contrast, Jackery Solar Generators are much more affordable and can even be transported from one location to another. For example, the Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro combines Jackery SolarSaga 200W Solar Panels and Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro Portable Power Station that can not only generate electricity from sunlight but also store excess power in the battery backup for later use.
How Much Does Jackery 3.5kW Solar System Cost
The Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro costs between $3,999 - $4,499, depending on the available components in the bundle. Let's explain the pricing of each bundle and what it includes:
Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro + 2*SolarSaga 200W Solar Panels = $3,999
The bundle consists of two solar panels and a portable power station that stores the electricity generated for charging the appliances. You can carry the solar generator anywhere you go, ensuring power remains within reach. The bundle will be a great choice if you are looking for a solar-powered generator that can power essential appliances during emergency power outages or RV trips.
Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro + 2*SolarSaga 200W Solar Panels + Transfer Switch = $4,199
The bundle includes an additional component—the Jackery Manual Transfer Switch—that connects the portable power station to the home's electricity system. It lets you switch from grid or utility power to battery backup, ensuring essential household appliances such as refrigerators, CPAP machines, lights, garage doors, etc., remain charged without interruptions.
Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro + 4*SolarSaga 200W Solar Panels = $4,799
The Jackery Solar Generator bundle includes four solar panels to recharge the portable power station faster so it's ready to charge the appliances. The solar panels are foldable and can be stored in a small space or even a vehicle for outdoor adventures. The power station features a pull rod, double wheels, and a foldable handle to ensure easy movement anywhere you go.
Solar Tax Rebate
The Residential Clean Energy Credit helps you earn a 30% rebate on the purchase of a new and qualified clean energy product. The large-capacity Jackery Solar Generators are also eligible for solar tax rebates, helping you reduce the overall cost. For example, when purchasing the Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro, eligible buyers can earn up to $839.7 as a tax rebate. However, you will need to check with the utility to verify the eligibility and requirements to earn residential rebate programs. Other Jackery products that are eligible for tax rebates include:
- Explorer 5000 Plus: Up to $1049.7 in Rebates
- Solar Generator 5000 Plus: Up to $1049.7 in Rebates
- Explorer 3000 Pro: Up to $839.7 in Rebates
- Explorer 2000 Plus Double Kit: Up to $1,289.7 in Rebates
- Explorer 2000 Plus Kit (4kWh): Up to $1,139.7 in Rebates
- Explorer 2000 Plus Kit (6kWh): Up to $1,589.7 in Rebates
- Solar Generator 3000 Pro: Up to $839.7 in Rebates
- Solar Generator 2000 Plus (4kWh): Up to $1,139.7 in Rebates
- Solar Generator 2000 Plus (6kWh): Up to $1,589.7 in Rebates
Note: If you want more information, check out the Jackery Residential Clean Energy Credit page.
How Much Electricity Does a 3.5kW Solar System Produce
If the area receives sunlight for around 5 hours per day, a 3.5kW solar system can produce 14kW - 17.5kW of electricity per day. The solar power produced by the system will vary depending on several factors, such as location, panel efficiency, and daily fluctuations.
Let's calculate how much power a 3.5kW solar system produces per day, month, and year:
Daily Power Output = System Size * Peak Sun Hours * Efficiency Rate = 3.5kW * 5H * 0.8 = 14kWh per day
Monthly Power Output = Daily Power Output * 30 = 14kW * 30 = 420kWh per month
Annual Power Output = Daily Power Output * 365 = 14kW * 365 = 5110kWh per year
In contrast, winter days receive less sunlight hours. If we assume the sun hours are three, the power generated by the 3.5kW solar system per day, per month, and per year:
Daily Power Output = System Size * Peak Sun Hours * Efficiency Rate = 3.5kW * 3H * 0.8 = 8.4kWh per day
Monthly Power Output = Daily Power Output * 30 = 8.4kW * 30 = 252kWh per month
Annual Power Output = Daily Power Output * 365 = 8.4kW * 365 = 3066kWh per year
Note: All the calculations performed are based on ideal conditions, and the actual performance might vary based on different factors, such as location, solar panel tilt, peak sunlight hours, etc.
What Can a 3.5kW Solar System Run
A 3.5kW solar system can run many appliances in a standard home, such as lights, refrigerators, TVs, laptops, kitchen appliances, and even a small air conditioner. However, to run high-power appliances such as clothes dryers or a large oven, you would need a 4kW solar system or a 5kW solar system.
Will a 3.5kW Solar System Run a House?
Yes, a 3.5kW solar system can run most household appliances such as refrigerators, TVs, lights, fans, etc. Generally, a 3.5kW solar system would be sufficient for a small to average-sized household with moderate energy usage. However, larger households or those with high-energy appliances might need a larger solar system.
How Many AC Can a 3.5kW Run?
A 3.5kW solar system can typically run one 1-ton air conditioner drawing 1200 - 1500W of electricity or a 1.5-ton air conditioner consuming 1500 - 1800W of electricity. However, if you want to run more than one AC, it is better to invest in a larger solar system that can safely handle the AC load.
What is a 3.5kW Off-Grid Solar System?
A 3.5kW off-grid solar system combines solar panels and a power station that operates entirely independently from the electricity grid. An off-grid solar system means it is not connected to the utility grid in any way.
Jackery 3.5kW Solar Generator
Jackery is a leading solar brand that manufactures solar panels, solar generators, and portable power stations. The Jackery Solar Generators combine Jackery Portable Power Stations and Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panels that collect, convert, and charge appliances anytime and anywhere.
They do not emit any toxic fumes or gases, making the solar generators ideal for charging appliances without emitting any toxic fumes or noise. If you are registering as a Jackery member for the first time, you will receive a $200 coupon as a welcome gift. You can also save a lot more on your budget with other promotional offers.
Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro
The Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro is a large-capacity solar-powered generator that acts as a home battery backup and can even charge appliances during outdoor adventures. With a foldable handle, pull rod and double wheels, the solar generator can be easily carried on outdoor adventures. The large battery capacity ensures you can charge 99% of the household or outdoor appliances, such as refrigerators, heaters, lights, TVs, laptops, etc.
Customer Review
"Jackery provided uninterrupted power to the TV so we could stay updated on the storm's progress. We were able to charge the power unit with the generators when we were not using other appliances. It also powered the charging of our cell phones, which kept our WiFi going until the cell signals went down. It is a worthy investment to augment a system." — William Watson.
|
Product |
Output |
Capacity |
Appliances |
|
Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro |
3000W (6000W Peak) |
3024Wh |
Large Refrigerator (500W) = 5.1H Pellet Stove (100W) = 25.7H Electric Blanket (150W) = 17.1H Electric Kettle (600W) = 4.2H CPAP (40W) = 64.2H |
Conclusion
With a 3.5kW solar system, you can reduce the monthly electricity bills and switch to a clean, renewable energy source. Generally, a 3.5kW solar system costs $9000 - $11,000, which can be higher for many homeowners. In addition, you will need to pay for installation and labor costs that increase the overall payment.
If you want to consider a portable 3.5kW solar system that is affordable yet powerful, you may go ahead with the Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro. It is portable, so you can charge most appliances for long hours anytime. Do you have questions about what size generator will suit your power needs? Let us know in the comments below!
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