11 April 2025

Why Albury-Wodonga Homes Need More Than 6.6kW of Solar: A Seasonal Perspective

If you’re considering installing solar on your home in Albury-Wodonga, you’ve probably come across the popular 6.6kW system. It’s often seen as the “standard” size for Aussie homes—but is it enough for modern households in our region?

With more people shifting to all-electric appliances, electric vehicles (EVs), and battery storage, it’s time to ask: Does 6.6kW cut it anymore?

Let’s break down how solar performs in summer vs. winter, why that matters in the Albury-Wodonga climate, and how sizing up can future-proof your home and maximise your investment.

The 6.6kW Solar System: Seasonal Performance in Albury-Wodonga

In ideal summer conditions, a north-facing 6.6kW system can generate up to 35–40 kWh per day—plenty to run an average household and maybe charge an EV a few times a week.

But come winter, things change.

With shorter daylight hours and more cloud cover, winter output drops dramatically. A 6.6kW system may only produce around 9–15 kWh per day, sometimes even less on grey, rainy days. If you’re running electric heating, cooking, and hot water systems, that drop in solar generation can lead to higher grid reliance—right when energy prices are at their peak.

Why More Than 6.6kW Makes Sense in Albury-Wodonga

Here’s why sizing up to 8kW, 10kW or even 13kW is worth considering in our region:

1. Better Winter Coverage

Larger systems give you more headroom during the colder months. While 6.6kW might fall short in winter, a 10kW+ system still produces decent daily energy—helping you power heating systems and avoid peak electricity charges when the sun isn’t shining.

2. EV Charging Without the Bill Shock

With EV ownership on the rise in Albury-Wodonga, many homes will need more solar to cover charging needs. A single EV can easily add 10–20 kWh of daily energy use. A larger solar system ensures you’re fuelling your vehicle with sunshine—not grid electricity.

3. Smarter Battery Charging

If you’re adding battery storage (like a Tesla Powerwall or Sungrow SBR), you’ll need surplus solar energy to charge it—especially in winter. Oversizing your solar array helps you keep your battery topped up for use at night or during blackouts.

4. Future-Proofing for All-Electric Homes

Many households in Albury-Wodonga are switching to electric cooking, hot water, and heating—especially with gas prices rising. These systems increase your daily energy needs. Oversizing your solar setup today means you’re ready for these upgrades tomorrow.

5. Maximise Rebates and ROI

With government rebates still available and solar panel prices at record lows, going bigger is more affordable than ever. Many high-quality systems now offer a faster payback period when sized correctly for your future needs.

Real-World Example: What a Larger System Looks Like in Practice

A KDEC customer in Wodonga recently upgraded from a 6.6kW to a 10.3kW system paired with a 10kWh battery. Here’s what they’ve reported:

• Summer: Up to 55 kWh per day—enough to cover household needs, battery charging, and full EV recharging.

• Winter: Still averaging 20–28 kWh per day—comfortably powering heating and appliances without leaning heavily on the grid.

They’ve noticed a dramatic drop in power bills year-round and peace of mind during outages, thanks to the battery backup.

Let KDEC Help You Design a System That Fits Your Lifestyle

At KDEC Solar & Electrical, we design solar systems to fit real homes, real lifestyles, and real seasonal conditions in Albury-Wodonga—not just cookie-cutter installs.

We only use premium brands like Fronius, SolarEdge, Sungrow, Tesla, and SunPower—delivering unmatched performance, smart energy monitoring, and long-term reliability.

Whether you’re charging an EV, going all-electric, or preparing for a battery in the future, we’ll help you get the most from your solar investment—summer, winter, and everything in between.

Take the Next Step Toward Smarter Solar

Still thinking about going solar—or expanding your existing system? Let’s chat. Our local team at KDEC offers personalised consultations, expert installations, and honest advice to help you get solar right the first time.

Get in touch with KDEC today and power up your future—bigger, better, and smarter.