5kW Solar System : Panels, Roof, Cost, Output & Payback
What is a 5kw Solar System?
A 5kW solar system is a solar power setup that generates 5 kilowatts of electricity under ideal conditions. It consists of solar panels, an inverter, and other components designed to capture sunlight and convert it into electricity for your home or business. A 5kW system is commonly used for residential properties with moderate energy consumption.
How many panels in a 5kw Solar System?
For a 5kW solar system, you need approximately 12 solar panels if each panel produces 415W. To calculate the exact number of panels, use the formula: 5,000W (5kW) divided by the wattage of each panel. For instance, 5,000W ÷ 415W = 12.04 panels. If the calculation doesn’t result in a whole number, simply round up or down to get the final count.
Now, most residential solar panels in Australia are between 370w and 450w. So using the above formula for a 370w you will need around 13 solar panels and for a 450w you will need around 11 solar panels.
I recommend selecting solar panels that produce higher watts and are smaller in size to maximize your roof space. Higher wattage panels will generate more power and occupy less space, making them ideal for residential installations.
How much roof space for 5kW solar?
A 5kW solar system requires approximately 24 square meters (24 m²) of roof space. Each solar panel measures 1.8m x 1.1m, which is typical for such installations.
Larger, higher-wattage panels require fewer units and take up less space on the roof, which is a crucial factor if you have limited space.
How much does a 5kw Solar System cost?
The price of a 5kw solar system in Australia typically ranges between $4,000 to $7,000 after government rebates. The final cost can depend on several factors like Location, Quality of Components used and Installer.
The government offers solar rebates via the Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) that can reduce the upfront cost significantly. Depending on your location, you can get a rebate of about $1,500 to $1,800.
How much does a 5kw Solar System produce per day?
A 5kW solar system typically produces around 18-22 kWh of electricity per day under optimal conditions, depending on factors such as sunlight availability and location. Annually, this translates to about 6,570 to 8,030 kWh of electricity. The system’s output will vary depending on several factors, including Location, Weather Conditions, Panel Orientation and Shading.
The formula to calculate is PSH * 5kW * 85%, where PSH is peak sun hours generated each day on average in your state multiple by system size multiple by solar panel efficiency.
Payback Period for 5kW solar systems
A 5kW solar system typically pays for itself within 3 to 4 years, depending on various factors like Electricity Prices, Self-Consumption Rates, Feed-in Tariff. For households with an average consumption of 20-25 kWh per day, a 5kW system can lead to substantial savings on electricity bills, cutting them by as much as 70-80%.
Is a 5kW Solar System worth it?
A 5kW solar system is worth it for many households and small businesses. However, before investing, you should consider the following:
If your household uses around 20-25 kWh per day, a 5kW system could cover most or all of your energy needs.
Make sure you have enough unshaded roof space to accommodate the panels.
If you plan to increase your energy consumption in the future (e.g., installing a pool or electric vehicle charger), consider whether you might need a larger system.
