An 8kW solar system has become a popular choice for medium to large Australian homes looking to reduce electricity costs, power more appliances, and prepare for future energy needs such as EV charging. With rising power bills and falling solar prices, many households now choose larger systems because they offer stronger long-term savings and better battery compatibility.
This guide explains the real cost of an 8kW solar system, how much power it produces, and whether it can run a typical Australian home. It’s based on in-depth competitor analysis, real-world installation outcomes, and the latest information on solar panels, inverters, and energy use patterns.
What Is an 8kW Solar System?
An 8kW solar system refers to the total capacity of your
solar panels. Most systems in this size range consist of 18–22 panels, depending on panel wattage (usually between 390 W and 440 W). The system is typically paired with either a 6 kW or 8 kW solar inverter. Homes with higher electricity consumption may also add a
solar battery to maximise self-consumption and reduce night-time grid reliance.
Will an 8kW solar system run a house?
Yes, an 8kW solar system can run most medium to large Australian homes, especially those using
20–35 kWh of electricity per day. It generates enough energy to cover typical daytime usage, support air-conditioning, and reduce grid demand significantly. Homes with electric hot water, pool pumps, or EV charging may still need grid power or a battery, but an 8kW system provides a strong foundation for energy independence.
How Much Roof Space Do You Need?
An 8kW solar system usually requires
35–45 m² of usable roof space. High-efficiency panels reduce the number of panels needed, making this system possible even on smaller roofs. North-facing roofs deliver the best performance in Australia, but east and west orientations also deliver strong daily output.
Who Is an 8kW System Best For?
This solar system size is ideal for:
- Medium to large households with 3–6 people
- Homes using 20–35 kWh per day
- Families with air-conditioning and large appliances
- Homes with electric hot water systems
- Households planning to add a battery
- EV owners or those preparing for future charging needs
If your usage is below 20 kWh/day, a 6.6 kW system may be more suitable.
How much power will an 8kW solar system produce?
An 8kW solar system typically produces
28–36 kWh per day in most Australian cities, depending on location, roof angle, shading, and panel quality. Output can reach higher levels in summer and dip slightly in winter, but overall, this system size generates enough power to offset a large share of household electricity costs. Pairing it with a battery boosts self-consumption and improves savings even more.
8kW Solar System Output by City
| Location (Australia) |
Average Daily Output |
| Sydney |
30–34 kWh/day |
| Melbourne |
26–30 kWh/day |
| Brisbane |
32–36 kWh/day |
| Perth |
33–38 kWh/day |
| Adelaide |
31–35 kWh/day |
These averages are based on Clean Energy Council performance estimates and competitor market data.
8kW Solar System With Battery Storage
Many homeowners pair an 8kW system with a solar battery to maximise daily savings. Popular battery sizes include:
- 10 kWh battery:Suits medium households
- 13–15 kWh battery:Ideal for high-usage homes
- 20 kWh battery:Good for homes with EVs, large appliances, or off-grid ambitions
A battery increases the return on investment when night-time usage is high or when feed-in tariffs are low.
How much is an 8kW solar system in Australia?
The cost of an 8kW solar system in Australia typically ranges from
$7,000 to $11,000 for a quality installation, depending on panel brand, inverter type, roof complexity, and installer experience. Premium systems with higher-efficiency solar panels and hybrid inverters may cost more. Adding a battery can increase the overall price, but also boosts long-term savings and independence from the grid.
8kW Solar System Price Guide (Australia)
Budget System ($6,000–$7,000)
- Entry-level solar panels
- Basic inverter
- Suitable for low budgets
- Shorter warranties
Standard System ($7,000–$10,000)
- Mid-range Tier-1 solar panels
- Reputable inverter brand (Growatt, Sungrow, GoodWe)
- Strong warranty coverage
- Ideal for most homes
Premium System ($10,000–$14,000)
- High-efficiency panels (REC, SunPower, Qcells)
- Premium inverter (Fronius, SMA)
- Better performance in low-light
- Longer warranty and higher output
System costs vary by electricity rebates, STCs, and installer expertise.
What Determines the 8kW Solar System Price?
- Solar panel brand & efficiency
- Inverter quality
- Roof height & complexity
- Shading and cabling requirements
- Government rebates (STCs)
- Battery readiness
- Location & installer reputation
A quality system may cost more initially but delivers better output, longer lifespan, and fewer service issues.
Savings From an 8kW Solar System
An 8kW solar system can save households
$1,800–$3,200 per year, depending on usage patterns and feed-in tariffs. Homes that operate appliances during the day experience the highest savings because they self-consume more of the energy generated.
Typical savings breakdown:
- High daytime usage:Maximum savings
- Low daytime usage (no battery):More export, lower ROI
- Battery installed:Very high self-consumption and excellent long-term value
8kW Solar System Payback Period
Most households achieve payback in
3.5 to 6 years, based on:
- Electricity cost increases
- Feed-in tariff rates
- Battery usage
- Panel efficiency
- Rooftop orientation
- Local climate
Premium systems often achieve faster payback due to higher daily output.
Is an 8kW Solar System Worth It?
Yes—an 8kW solar system is one of the best investments for medium to large homes, especially if electricity usage is 20–35 kWh/day. With strong output, excellent savings, and future-ready benefits for those planning EV charging or battery installation, it offers both immediate and long-term financial value.
Conclusion
An 8kW solar system offers the right balance of size, output, and affordability for many Australian households. It generates enough energy to run major appliances, reduce bills significantly, and provide strong energy independence when paired with a solar battery. Whether you’re upgrading from a smaller system or installing solar for the first time, choosing the right solar panels, inverter, and installer ensures long-term performance and maximum return on investment. For expert advice and high-quality solar installations across Australia,
Solar National delivers reliable and efficient 8kW solar solutions tailored to your home.
FAQ:
1. How many panels are in an 8kW solar system?
An 8kW solar system usually includes
18–22 panels, depending on individual panel wattage. Most modern solar panels range from 390 W to 440 W, allowing the system to reach 8 kW with fewer panels than older models. The exact number needed depends on roof space, shading, and preferred brand.
2. Is 8kW solar good for a large family?
Yes. An 8kW solar system is ideal for medium to large families, especially those using
20–35 kWh of electricity per day. It provides enough daily output to cover air-conditioning, appliances, dishwashers, laundry loads, and more. When paired with a battery, it can support even higher evening usage.
3. How much does an 8kW solar system save?
Most Australian households save
$1,800–$3,200 per year with an 8kW system, depending on usage patterns and feed-in tariff rates. Homes that run appliances during the day or use solar batteries achieve the highest savings due to increased solar self-consumption.
4. Do I need a battery with an 8kW solar system?
A battery isn’t essential, but it can significantly increase your savings if you have high evening usage. An 8kW system provides enough daytime surplus to consistently charge a 10–15 kWh battery, making it a strong option for homes wanting grid independence or backup power.
5. What inverter size is needed for an 8kW system?
Most 8kW systems are paired with either a
6 kW or 8 kW inverter, depending on panel oversizing and installation design. In Australia, the 20% oversizing rule allows a 6 kW inverter to be paired with up to 7.2 kW of panels, but many homeowners choose an 8 kW inverter for improved performance and future battery upgrades.
