20kW Solar System for Small Businesses: Output & Savings
For many small businesses, the power bill has become a regular pressure point.
Energy prices keep rising. Operating hours keep stretching. Equipment loads keep growing. And suddenly, electricity isn’t just overhead, it’s something that directly impacts margins, planning, and long-term confidence.
That’s why more Australian businesses are turning to solar. And for many, a 20kW solar system is where the conversation gets serious.
It’s not oversized, and it’s not under-powered; it’s a smart, scalable system that delivers real output and meaningful savings.
So what does a 20kW system actually deliver? How much energy does it produce, what can it realistically power, and how much can it save your business?
Here’s what you need to know.
Why 20kW Is a Popular Choice for Small Businesses
A 20kW system often hits the sweet spot for small to medium-sized commercial sites.
It’s large enough to significantly offset daily energy use, but compact enough to suit standard rooftops, carparks, and low-rise commercial buildings. Offices, gyms, medical practices, hospitality venues, retail sites, childcare centres and light industrial facilities are all strong candidates.
Most importantly, it aligns well with daytime energy demand. The power your system generates is typically the power your business is using.
What Does a 20kW Solar System Actually Produce?
In Australian conditions, a well-designed 20kW solar system will typically generate:
- Around 75 to 90 kWh per day
- Approximately 27,000 to 33,000 kWh per year
That output depends on location, roof orientation, shading, and overall system design. In high-performing regions like Queensland and NSW, returns can be particularly strong.
For businesses operating between standard business hours, this level of generation can quietly cover a large portion of daily energy consumption, without any change to how the site operates.
What Does a 20kW Solar System Actually Power?
A 20kW solar system producing around 75–90 kWh per day can support a wide range of typical small business operations, including:
Office environments
Lighting across multiple areas, computers and monitors for 20–30 staff, servers and networking equipment, air conditioning during business hours, plus kitchens and amenities.
Gyms and fitness studios
Cardio and strength equipment, lighting, sound systems, air conditioning, recovery zones, and daytime peak usage when member traffic is highest.
Retail and hospitality venues
Refrigeration, point-of-sale systems, lighting, exhaust fans, prep equipment, and background air conditioning throughout trading hours.
Warehouses and light industrial sites
High-bay lighting, workshop tools, compressors, forklift charging, and attached office spaces.
EV charging infrastructure
Enough generation to support the equivalent of three to five full EV charges per week, depending on vehicle size and charging behaviour.
The key advantage is that much of this energy is used in real time, when your system is producing power, maximising savings and reducing reliance on the grid.
How a 20kW System Fits Within the Bigger Picture
A 20kW solar system sits at the smaller end of the commercial scale, but it’s designed using the same thinking that underpins much larger energy projects.
At DS Energy, we deliver commercial solar systems across a wide range of sizes, tailoring each solution to how your business runs, not just how many panels fit on a roof.
Below is just a small showcase of some of the recent projects we’ve worked on:
Brisbane Technology Park Conference & Exhibition Centre
This site runs large conferences and exhibitions, which means high power use during the day. We created a 99.75kW system which produces around 145.5 MWh of clean energy each year, delivering strong cost savings while supporting a complex operational and tariff environment.
Broncos Leagues Club, Brisbane
A staged commercial solar installation that allowed the Club to manage capital expenditure, meet network requirements, and prioritise the most productive roof areas first, all while maintaining uninterrupted operations for members and guests.
The Southern Hotel, Toowoomba
We produced a large-scale, integrated energy solution combining rooftop solar, solar carpark structures, battery storage, and EV charging, designed to support a 24/7 hospitality venue with consistently high energy demand.
You can check out more of our commercial solar projects here.
The Savings Add Up Faster Than You Think
For many small businesses, a 20kW system can deliver annual savings of $6,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on tariffs and how much energy is used onsite versus exported.
With Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) reducing upfront costs, payback periods often fall within three to five years. After that, the system continues generating value for decades.
Instead of being exposed to rising grid prices, your business gains a level of cost certainty that’s hard to match with any other infrastructure investment.
Is a 20kW System the Right Fit for Your Site?
A 20kW solar system is often well suited if your business:
- Has consistent daytime energy use
- Spends $1,500 or more per month on electricity
- Operates mainly between 7am and 6pm
- Has suitable roof or carpark space
- Is planning future growth, electrification, or EV charging
If your energy use extends into evenings or weekends, system design can be adjusted to maximise self-consumption, or future battery integration can be planned from day one.
More Than Just Lower Power Bills
For many businesses, the benefits of solar extend well beyond savings.
A 20kW system helps reduce exposure to grid volatility, supports sustainability and ESG commitments, and creates a foundation for future infrastructure like EV charging or battery storage.
It’s also visible leadership. A clear signal to staff, customers, and stakeholders that your business is investing in smarter, cleaner operations.
Ready To Take a Practical Step Toward Energy Confidence?
For small businesses, a 20kW solar system isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about taking control of energy costs and building long-term resilience.
When designed properly, it delivers reliable output, strong financial returns, and confidence that your business is better protected against rising energy prices. While many of the systems DS Energy delivers are larger, the approach doesn’t change with scale. Every system is treated as commercial infrastructure, not a one-size-fits-all install.
For businesses of all sizes, the impact of a solar system can be significant. Lower power bills, improved cost certainty, and a more resilient energy setup that supports how your site actually operates.
Ready to take the next step? Contact DS Energy to book a free site consultation and see what a 20kW solar system could deliver for your business. For more related information, check out the benefits of solar carports for your business and how to choose the best solar panels for your business.