70kW solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are a popular system size for small and medium-sized businesses to cut their power bills in Australia. In this article, we look at the typical price ranges and power output for a 70kW solar system. We also examine some of the factors necessary for ensuring that a 70kW system and systems of similar size are a good investment.
70kW Solar System Costs
Solar system prices have fallen dramatically across Australia in recent years. Being towards the upper end of the size scale for non-utility scale solar projects, 70kW systems benefit from economies of scale, generally costing less per watt than smaller, residential solar systems.
Solar Choice publishes pricing ranges for commercial solar systems on a monthly basis using data from our installer network. The Commercial Solar PV Price Index provides the Australian solar industry (and customers) with an understanding of average costs for solar systems of various sizes including 10kW, 30kW, 50kW and 100kW systems. The below prices are updated monthly and reflect the average solar system cost.
| 70kW | |
|---|---|
| Adelaide, SA | $75,750 |
| Brisbane, QLD | $68,410 |
| Canberra, ACT | $67,670 |
| Hobart, TAS | $65,330 |
| Melbourne, VIC | $62,620 |
| Sydney, NSW | $63,480 |
| Perth, WA | $72,630 |
| All | $67,980 |
Based on this data we can see the average cost of a 70kW system as of July 2023 is $68,640 including the STC rebate and GST. Noting that prices will vary depending on which solar equipment and installers are selected and whether there are any additional costs required (such as crane hire, switchboard upgrades, and long cable runs).
Historically we can see that the cost of a 70kW solar system has significantly dropped in the last 5 years.
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70kW solar power installation on the roof of Vector Aerospace in Brisbane. Project tender managed by Solar Choice Commercial.
To see more photos of commercial installations managed by Solar Choice, visit our Tender Management page.
How much power does a 70kW solar system generate?
Many factors influence the electricity output of a solar array. These include but are not limited to:
- The orientation and tilt angle of the solar panels
- The presence or absence of shading
- Average system operating temperature, and
- The quality of the system’s components.
All of these things should be considered carefully when estimating how much power a solar array might produce.
The more sunlight there is in your area, the more power a solar system will produce there. Generally speaking, a system in Australia will produce 4 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per kW of capacity per day on average annual. In the summer, it will be higher, while in the winter it will be lower.
As an example: a well-installed 70kW solar system in Sydney, NSW would produce about (3kWh x 70kW =) 210kwh per day in winter, while in the summer the same 70kW solar PV system would produce around (5kWh x 70kW =) 350kwh. A similar system in Brisbane might produce as much as 280kWh per day in winter and 450kWh in summer. (Figures are approximate only.)
What factors affect a 70kW solar system as an investment?
Return on investment and payback periods for a 70kW solar system are dependent on a number of factors. The most important of these are:
- The up-front and ongoing costs associated with the system,
- The amount paid for electricity from utilities,
- Type of financing used for the system, and
- The amount paid, if any, for surplus power fed into the grid or sold to a 3rd party.
1) The long-term investment-worthiness of a 70kW solar system will depend to a large degree on its cost. It’s important to discriminate between ‘cheap’ and ‘good value’ systems. Don’t go with the first offer that comes your way – make sure you shop around for the best deal.
2) If you’re looking into solar, it’s probably because your electricity bills have risen dramatically in recent years. With a solar power system, a business can significantly reduce its reliance on grid electricity – and therefore its power bills. Thousands of businesses in Australia have figured this out and have made the choice to go solar.
Solar Choice Commercial has a team devoted to working out how solar PV can benefit our commercial clients. Read about what our Commercial Business Case and Design Team does.
3) Financing can be key in ensuring the economic viability of going solar. Make sure you know your options.
Solar Choice Commercial offers a unique commercial solar PV financing package that enables the right customers to set up a solar farm or other large-scale installation with no capital expenditure, among other benefits. Learn more about Solar Choice’s Commercial Finance Package.
4) Businesses usually go solar with the aim of reducing their power bills by generating their own electricity. However, in certain cases, it may be possible to take advantage of a feed-in tariff incentive scheme or to negotiate a power purchase agreement (PPA) with a 3rd party. Either of these, if available, will do much to make going solar an even more attractive prospect.
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Since 2008 Solar Choice has consulted with over 3,000 businesses around Australia and helped develop over 800MW solar commercial and solar farm projects.
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