A 6.6kW solar system is one of the most popular sizes across Australia, but what works for one family might not suit another.
Energy bills keep climbing, and the idea of slashing them with solar panels sounds pretty good, right?
Before you dive in, you’ll want to know exactly how much power a 6.6kW solar system can pump out — and whether it’ll be enough to keep the lights, air con, and maybe even the EV charger running without a hitch.
The good news?
Today we’re breaking it all down easy!
From how much electricity you can expect across different Aussie cities, to how big your household can be before you’ll need something larger — you’ll get clear answers without the technical jargon.
What is a 6.6kW Solar System?
A 6.6kW solar system is pretty much the sweet spot for many Aussie homes.
It’s a system that can produce around 24 to 26 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity on a good day, depending on where you live.
You’ll usually need about 16 to 18 solar panels to build a full 6.6kW setup.
Each panel sits at around 370W to 415W these days, depending on the brand and model you choose.
That means you’ll need a decent bit of roof space to fit everything properly.
Most people need around 30 to 36 square metres of roof area to install a full 6.6kW system without cramming panels too close together.
Here’s a quick breakdown to make it simple:
- System Size: 6.6kW
- Number of Panels: 16 to 18
- Panel Wattage: 370W to 415W
- Roof Space Needed: 30–36 m²
- Average Daily Output: 24–26 kWh
A lot of homes built in the last 30 years have enough space for this without any dramas.
Older homes with smaller roofs might need to get a bit creative, though — either by tilting panels or using high-efficiency models to squeeze more power into less space.
Choosing a 6.6kW solar system gives you a nice balance: it’s big enough to cover the power needs of most families, but small enough to fit on most roofs without too much hassle.
How Much Power Does a 6.6kW Solar System Generate in Australia?
When you’re looking at a 6.6kW solar system, one of the biggest things that matters is how much power it actually makes each day.
The number can change depending on where you live, because different cities get different amounts of sunlight.
In general, a 6.6kW solar system in Australia will pump out between 20 to 28 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity every day.
Some cities do better than others just because they get more sunny days across the year.
Here’s a rough idea of what you can expect:
City | Average Daily Output (kWh) |
Sydney | 24–26 kWh |
Melbourne | 22–24 kWh |
Brisbane | 26–28 kWh |
Perth | 27–29 kWh |
Adelaide | 26–28 kWh |
You’ll notice Perth and Adelaide usually lead the pack. They get more sunshine hours, which means better output from the same system.
Melbourne tends to be a bit lower because of cloudier weather, especially in winter.
Seasonal changes also make a big difference.
In summer, your system will crank out more power thanks to longer days and more direct sunlight.
In winter, shorter days and lower sun angles can mean your output drops by about 30 to 40% compared to summer.
That’s totally normal, and it’s something to factor in if you’re planning your energy use across the year.
Overall, a 6.6kW solar system gives you a solid amount of energy most days, enough to run a busy household if you manage your usage a little.
What Appliances Can a 6.6kW Solar System Run?
A 6.6kW solar system can handle a lot of the stuff you use around the house every day.
On a good day, it can produce enough energy to cover the needs of an average family without having to pull too much from the grid.
Most of the time, you’ll have no trouble running essential appliances and even some extras.
Here’s a look at what a 6.6kW solar system can usually power:
- Air Conditioner (split system running for a few hours)
- Fridge and Freezer (running 24/7)
- Washing Machine (one or two loads a day)
- TV and Entertainment Systems
- Lights throughout the house (including outdoor lighting)
- Laptop and Computer Charging
- Microwave and Kitchen Appliances
- Electric Kettle and Toaster
- Dishwasher (if used mainly during the day)
- Pool Pump (for a few hours a day, if needed)
If you’re smart about running your bigger appliances like the washing machine, dishwasher, and air con during the middle of the day — when your panels are cranking — you’ll get even more out of your system.
A 6.6kW solar system gives a great balance between everyday comfort and solid energy savings.
You won’t have to stress every time you flick a switch.
How Many People Can a 6.6kW Solar System Support?
A 6.6kW solar system can comfortably cover the needs of a lot of Aussie households, but how many people it supports depends on how much electricity everyone uses.
For singles, it’s usually more than enough.
If you’re living alone, you’ll probably use less than 15 kWh a day, which means your system can easily handle things like air con, a fridge, TV, laptop charging, and basic kitchen appliances.
Couples usually sit somewhere between 18–22 kWh a day.
A 6.6kW solar system can still keep up easily, especially if you’re smart about running big appliances like the washing machine and dishwasher when the sun’s out.
Families of 4 or more start to push things a bit more.
A typical busy household might use 25–30 kWh daily, depending on things like:
- How often you run the air con
- If you’ve got teenagers glued to devices
- Whether you’re charging an EV
- Pool pumps or extra fridges running
If your family’s energy use is on the higher side, your 6.6kW system will still take a big chunk out of your bills but might not cover everything.
Adding a battery or getting a slightly bigger system could be worth thinking about if you want full coverage.
Cost of a 6.6kW Solar System in Australia
Getting a 6.6kW solar system installed in Australia usually costs between $5,000 and $9,000 after government rebates.
Without rebates, the price would be a lot steeper — closer to $10,000 to $13,000 — depending on the quality of panels, inverter brand, and your installer.
A few things can nudge the price up or down:
- Type of solar panels you pick (premium panels cost more)
- Whether your roof is steep, tricky, or needs extra work
- Adding extras like smart monitoring or battery storage
Government rebates make a massive difference though.
Here’s a quick look at what’s on offer across the country:
- New South Wales: Rebates through the Solar Homes Program plus low-interest loans.
- Victoria: Solar panel rebate up to $1,400 and interest-free loans.
- Queensland: Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) lower upfront costs.
- South Australia: Home Battery Scheme (battery subsidies, but can tie into solar).
- Western Australia: STCs and feed-in tariff programs.
You can check out more about rebates and what you might be eligible for on the official Australian Government Energy Website.
Keep in mind, the exact rebate amount depends on your location, the size of your system, and sometimes your household income.
Getting a few quotes and seeing what you can claim back is a smart move before signing anything.
Savings You Can Expect With a 6.6kW Solar System
If you’re wondering whether a 6.6kW solar system actually saves you real money, the answer’s a big yes — as long as you set it up right and use it smartly.
Let’s break down what kind of savings you can expect once those panels are on your roof.
Savings You Can Expect With a 6.6kW Solar System
Installing a 6.6kW solar system can seriously cut your electricity bills.
On average, most Aussie households can slash their bills by 60% to 80% if they use most of their power during the day.
How much you save depends on a few things:
- How much electricity you use
- When you use your appliances
- Your feed-in tariff rate
- Whether you’ve got a battery
For a typical family, that can mean saving between $1,200 and $2,000 a year on power bills.
That’s cash you can put back into your pocket every year just by letting the sun do the heavy lifting.
Payback Period Explained
A good quality 6.6kW solar system usually pays for itself in about 3 to 5 years.
If you live somewhere sunny and you’re smart about daytime energy use, you’ll hit payback even faster.
After that, your system is basically printing money for the next 15 to 20 years, with only minimal maintenance costs along the way.
Investment vs Return
Here’s a quick look at how it can stack up:
Upfront Cost (after rebates) | Annual Savings | Payback Period | Total Savings Over 20 Years |
$6,000 | $1,500 | 4 years | $24,000 |
$7,000 | $1,700 | 4–5 years | $28,000 |
$8,000 | $2,000 | 4 years | $32,000 |
Even if prices vary a bit depending on where you live, a 6.6kW solar system is still one of the best investments you can make for your home.
Is a 6.6kW Solar System Big Enough for Your Needs?
A 6.6kW solar system is big enough for most Aussie homes, but it’s smart to ask yourself a few key questions first.
How much electricity do you use every day?
If your daily use sits around 20 to 28 kWh, a 6.6kW system should cover most, if not all, of your needs.
When do you use most of your power?
Solar works best when you use energy during the day while the sun’s out.
If you’re home a lot or run big appliances during daylight hours, you’ll get the most benefit.
Are you planning to get an EV soon?
Charging an electric vehicle at home can add 10 to 20 kWh a day to your usage.
If that’s part of your future plans, you might want to think about going a little bigger or adding a battery later.
Would a battery make sense for your setup?
If you want to use your solar power at night or cover blackouts, adding battery storage can help, but it’s an extra cost to factor in.
Here’s a quick checklist to help you decide:
- Daily usage between 20–28 kWh? ✅
- Home during the day to use solar power? ✅
- No big plans for extra energy needs soon? ✅
- Not relying heavily on evening usage without a battery? ✅
If you tick most of these boxes, a 6.6kW solar system should fit your home nicely.
Should You Add a Battery to a 6.6kW Solar System?
Adding a battery to your 6.6kW solar system can be a smart move, depending on how you use power at home.
Here’s a closer look at why you might want to add one.
Benefits of Battery Storage
A solar battery lets you store the extra electricity your panels make during the day.
Instead of sending that unused energy back to the grid for a small feed-in tariff, you can keep it and use it at night when the sun’s down.
The main benefits include:
- Lower power bills by using more of your own solar energy
- Protection against blackouts if the grid goes down
- More energy independence from power companies
It’s a great option if you’re looking to make the most of every kilowatt your panels generate.
Types of Batteries
Most home solar systems use lithium-ion batteries.
They’re reliable, charge quickly, and last around 10 to 15 years.
You’ll also hear about lead-acid batteries, but they’re heavier, bulkier, and not as popular for modern homes.
Some well-known battery brands in Australia include Tesla Powerwall, Sungrow, and LG Chem.
Best Cases for Storage
A battery can make a huge difference if:
- You use lots of power at night (like running air con or charging an EV)
- You want backup power during outages
- You want to rely less on your energy provider
If your goal is full energy control and backup security, pairing a battery with your 6.6kW solar system is definitely worth thinking about.
Key Takeaway
A 6.6kW solar system fits a lot of Aussie homes like a glove. It covers the basics, handles a few extras, and still leaves you with lower power bills if you set things up right.
Before jumping in, it’s a good idea to look at how much electricity you really use each day, when you’re using it, and if you’ve got any big changes coming, like getting an EV or adding a pool pump.
Every home’s a bit different, and what works for one family might not be the best for another.
If you’re feeling unsure or want a bit of expert advice, that’s exactly what we’re here for.
At Off Grid WA, we help you figure out what solar setup fits your home, your needs, and your future plans — without the guesswork.
You can check us out at Off Grid WA and have a proper chat with an expert for free. Getting the right system now saves you a lot of money (and headaches) later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 6.6kW solar system enough for a 4-bedroom house?
For most 4-bedroom homes in Australia, a 6.6kW solar system will usually cover the majority of your energy needs.
It’s a good fit if your family uses around 20 to 28 kWh a day, which is pretty common.
If you’ve got heavy energy use — things like ducted air con running all day, multiple fridges, or an electric vehicle to charge — you might need to consider a slightly bigger system or add a battery to cover night-time usage.
Otherwise, a 6.6kW system should comfortably power the basics.
How long does a 6.6kW solar system last?
A good quality 6.6kW solar system should last around 25 years or more.
The solar panels themselves usually come with performance warranties of 25 years, and inverters often have warranties between 5 and 12 years.
You might need to replace the inverter once during the life of your system, but the panels should keep ticking along nicely with only minor drops in efficiency over time.
Can a 6.6kW solar system charge an electric vehicle?
Yes, a 6.6kW solar system can definitely help charge an electric vehicle at home.
Charging an EV typically uses 10 to 20 kWh of electricity per full charge.
If you manage your charging during the day while your panels are generating power, your system can cover most — if not all — of your car’s energy needs without having to pull too much from the grid.
If you’re planning to charge daily, adding a small battery or considering a slightly bigger solar system can be a smart move.
How much roof space is needed for a 6.6kW solar system?
You’ll generally need around 30 to 36 square metres of clear roof space to fit a full 6.6kW solar system.
This usually works out to about 16 to 18 solar panels, depending on the panel wattage.
If your roof is a little tight, using higher-efficiency panels can help you squeeze more power into a smaller area without losing output.
What is the best angle for a solar system in Australia?
The best tilt angle for your solar panels usually matches your home’s latitude.
For most places in Australia, this means aiming for an angle between 20° and 30°.
If you want to fine-tune it, panels tilted at about north-facing and close to your local latitude will give the best all-year-round performance.
In Perth, for example, around 31° north-facing gives you strong year-round output, but even if you’re a few degrees off, modern panels are forgiving and still work really well.