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The 10 kW Sweet Spot

10 kW systems offer maximum return on investment with all the benefits of MicroFIT.

10kW systems take full advantage of MicroFIT’s fast-track application and minimal engineering requirements while offering the highest possible rates for your power. Because the MicroFIT program is based on total alternating-current (AC) output, a 10 kW system will need to use closer to 12 kW of direct-current (DC) solar modules. With inverter efficiencies running about 85%, the 12 kW of modules produce about 10 kW of AC power.

EfstonScience customizes every installation to the unique requirements of your site and structure to maximize your return on investment. Here are some scenarios illustrating possible 10 kW MicroFIT system configurations with different costs, energy output and profits: Ground Mount with 1-axis trackingFixed Ground MountFlat RoofSloped Roof

N.B. – As of July 2, 2010 the OPA has changed the MicroFIT rate for ground-mount systems to 64.2¢/kWh

10 kW Sloped Roof

South-facing sloped roofs are ideal candidates for a solar energy system.

Quick Mount PV aluminum roof shingles are an all-in-one watertight flashing and mount that you can quickly and easily install on shingled, sloped roofs with no cutaway required.

 

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10 kW Flat roof with ballasted fixed mounts

Non-penetrating ballast mounts are angled south, pitched 25° and spaced to avoid shading.

Ballasted mounts use weight to hold panels on the roof, so they are quick to install, easy to move and don’t penetrate roof structures.

 

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10 kW Ground-mounted with 1-axis tracking

Self-contained Rack’NTrack system installs quickly and maximizes sun exposure.

This ground-mounted system is an ideal candidate for tracking. The single-axis azimuth tracker can boost output by up to 25% by following the sun from east to west over the course of the day.

 

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10 kW Fixed ground-mounted

Versatile and robust SolarGiant ground mounts make installation easy.

You can use this simple mounting footer design for the most difficult sites and soil conditions with minimal site preparation.

 

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10 kW Solar System Comparison

10kW Solar Power Systems Ground Mount with 1-axis tracking Fixed Ground Mount Sloped Roof Flat Roof
System Configuration 66 x 175 W panels 60 x 198 W panels 60 x 175 W panels 52 x 220 W panels
Rated Output 11550 kW (DC) 11880 kW (DC) 10500 W (DC) 11440 kW (DC)
Est. Avg.
Annual Output1
14,893 kWh/year 11,417 kWh/year 11,435 kWh/year 12,360 kWh/year
Estimated Average
Annual Income
$9,561 per year
(64.2¢/kWh)2
$7,329 per year
(64.2¢/kWh)2
$9,171 per year
(80.2¢/kWh)2
$12,360 per year
(80.2¢/kWh)2
Total
MicroFIT Income
(20 yr. contract)
$191,231 $146,597 $183,424 $198,262
Equipment $85,000 $72,000 $57,000 $63,000
Engineering $2,000 $2,000 $2,500 $5,000
Installation $3,000 $6,000 $10,500 $12,000
Total installed cost3 $90,000 $80,000 $70,000 $80,000
Net profit $101,231 $66,597 $113,424 $118,262
Payback time 9 years 10.5 years 7.25 years 7.5 years
Lifetime CO2 reduction4 >58000 kg >58000 kg >58000 kg >58000 kg

1 Estimated average output for Toronto, ON, as calculated by Natural Resources Canada RETScreen. Output estimates are averaged over the 20 years of the MicroFIT contract.

2 80.2¢ per kWh for roof-mounted or 64.2¢ per kWh for ground-mounted is paid by the Ontario Power Authority via the MicroFIT Feed-In-Tariff program.

3 Estimated total installed cost, exclusive of taxes at time of publication. In this highly competitive market prices are constantly changing. Contact us for the most up-to-date estimate.

4 Based on RETScreen estimated average greenhouse gas emission offset for power generated in Canada (.196 kg CO2 per kWh).

How much could you be earning from a MicroFIT Solar Energy System?


Interested in a 10kW MicroFIT system? Request a FREE Solar Assessment.