Is this solar panel kit right for me?
* Shipping for this product will be separate due to the size.
A 3kW Solar Kit requires up to 250 square feet of space and could produce an estimated 200 to 550 kilowatt hours (kWh) of alternating current (AC) power per month, assuming at least 5 sun hours per day with the solar array facing south. Refer to your electric utility bill to find the actual kWh used per month and compare it to how much power this 3kW PV system can generate.
This 3kW size grid-connect solar kits include solar panels, string inverter, and the racking system for roof mount. These are complete PV power systems that can work for a home or business, with everything you need to get the system up and running. The kits include hardware components only; does NOT include labor.
The kWh generated monthly by these systems is great for eliminating the impact of a hot tub or running the air conditioner. A 3000W Complete Solar Kit could offset 1/3rd of medium user's consumption which may equal 1/2 their $ part of the bill.
What is included in my 3kW solar installation kit?
Our DIY home install kits provide all the solar components you need from start to finish.
- Solar Panels - 12 x High performance 60-cell polycrystalline PV modules with 30 year warranties.
- String Inverter - Includes one easy-to-install string inverter with reliable performance at the right price.
- Racking and Attachments - Industry leading IronRidge racking mounts the solar panels to your roof.
- System Monitoring - Free with every kit purchase! View and analyze your solar energy production in real-time.
- System Design and Financial Analysis - We'll fit this system for your specific roof and calculate your solar investment payback.
- Not Included - Wire, conduit, fittings, breakers, AC/DC Disconnects (if required), junction boxes and a sub panel (if required). All these items can be purchased at any electrical supply shop, Home Depot or Lowes, and will typically cost $300 to $500. Our technical support representative will provide a shopping list once your plans are complete.
How easy is it to install?
- A 3kW system takes about one weekend.
- Our kits use industry leading solar panels, inverters, and racking systems specifically selected and combined to make do-it-yourself installation possible.
- A homeowner who has wired an AC outlet and is comfortable working on their roof can install our Solar kit.
The installation of a solar system, even from a complete kit is considered above the average homeowner's skill set and should not be taken upon lightly. Each task is rather simple, but you will be working at heights, on a angle, probably in the heat of the bright sun, working with power tools, hoisting large expensive pieces of glass up ladders and across a roof peppered with racking and wiring.
You'll also be working with DC voltages above 300VDC and household 240V AC. You should be good with simple math and be mechanically inclined. If you're willing to give it a try, it can be a rewarding experience both in saving you a lot of money and of giving you a great sense of accomplishment.
If self-installation is not for you, we can help you find a local solar contractor to help you with the process.
What is the installation process?
A typical solar roof mounted system for a home can be installed within 2 days once a permit is obtained from your city or county. After that, it’s just 5 easy steps until you’re producing power from the sun.
- Take your plan set to your city or county and apply for a permit to install. The plan review process can take up to 10 days. Once the city or county approves your plans and issues your permit you may begin installing your solar system.
- First, the racking and mounting system must be installed. This is the most laborious process of the solar installation process. You have to locate the rafters on your home and secure the racking system directly to them.
- Once the racking and mounting system is on your roof, the solar panels and inverters can be quickly installed. The inverter(s) are then tied into the grid through a dedicated breaker in your main service panel.
- When the installation is complete, your city or county inspector must sign off on it. You can accomplish this by scheduling an inspection meeting with them.
- Lastly, you must send the final job card, interconnection paperwork, and your net metering agreement to your utility. They will then grant you Permission to Operate. It can take up to 4 weeks after passing inspection for your utility to provide you Permission to Operate. With our interconnection service we will process all the paperwork for you.
Our job is not over until your system is producing clean energy from the sun! We offer you support throughout the installation process with manuals, videos, and technical support.
How much should I pay a contractor to install the solar kit?
Any licensed general, electrical or solar contractor can install our solar kits. If you select to hire a contractor to install your solar kit, you should expect to pay approximately $1.00 per watt for labor, wire, conduit, fittings, breakers and other miscellaneous electrical components to complete the solar system installation. For a 3 kW (kilowatt) system, which is 3,000 watts, you can expect to pay $3,000 for installation.
Benefits of Going Solar
- Federal government provides a 30% tax credit on all residential solar installations until 12/31/2016.
- Some state & local governments as well as some utilities are also offering financial incentives to homeowners.
- Investing in solar on your roof provides 6%-13% return on investment, better than most other investments today.
- By going solar you'll be supporting local jobs and helping America become more energy independent.
- By going solar you'll be reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and help clean up the environment for future generations.
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Buying Solar |
Leasing Solar |
| Monthly Savings |
Save up to 100% of your electricity bill
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Save an average of 20% of your electricity bill
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| Tax credits and incentives |
Homeowner receives all rebates and credits
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Homeowner receives no rebates or credits
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| Upfront installation costs |
Homeowner pays upfront but can leverage mortgage or credit line for positive cash flow
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Low or no upfront costs
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| Home value |
Home value increases by $20,000 for each $1,000 offset in annual electricity cost
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Value of home does not change and new homeowner must negotiate new lease terms
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| System upgrade & customization |
Homeowner can fully customize and upgrade solar PV system at any time
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Homeowner locked into leasing company's choice of solar PV system
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NOTE: Prices are based on average layout with average length wire runs. Your Complete Solar Kit will most likely be a couple hundred dollars below or above depending upon you home's requirements.
NOTE: You should also budget for shipping cost and if you're in California, Sales Tax.
NOTE: Production values can vary greatly, the numbers here are estimates based on averages.
For example a (33) 250W module system:
at 32 degrees tilt facing 180 south in San Diego could produce 1,104kWh/month
at 23 degree tilt facing 165 southeast in Massachusetts could produce 793kWh/month