How Many Solar Panels Can A 5kw Solar Inverter Off Grid Handle?
Modern solar systems are getting better at efficiently storing the sun’s energy. These days, batteries are included in many solar heat systems. This allows people to utilize reserved Power on days with cloudy weather. This is a mechanism that drives ongoing advancements in solar panel technology.
Going off-grid would be the best decision for people who reside in a remote area and want to be energy-independent. As the advancement of going off-grid started, it was expensive for most people to afford. However, as the of batteries and inverters continue to fall and their efficiency increases, off-grid solar systems are becoming more affordable for more people. For first-time solar panel consumers, a 5kW solar system off the grid is a standard size and an excellent place to start.
The question is, how many solar panels for 5kW need to be installed for a 5kW solar system or 5KW solar inverter to operate at peak efficiency?
How Much Is 5kw of Power?
On a good day with sunshine, a 5Kw solar panel system produces about 20kWh. Throughout the year, about 4,500kWh of electricity is produced. The Power produced will depend on some variables, including the installation, equipment, performance, and location. A large home can utilize 5kW because it has enough Power.
How Many Panels in A 5KW Solar System?
To determine the number of solar panels used for a 5kwh solar system, we will have to look for the type of solar panel and the watts. There are two varieties of solar panels. These include polycrystalline and monocrystalline.
1. Monocrystalline Panels
Monocrystalline solar panels are best suitable for those with a small amount of roof space yet who want to use a 5kW solar system. This is because they are more powerful and have better efficiency ratings. Due to its strong power production, this solar system is among the best for air conditions. The typical output of monocrystalline panels is from 310 to 400 watts.
2. Polycrystalline Panels
The less costly polycrystalline panels are ideal for anyone with a 5kW solar system, and saving money is more important than saving space. The efficiency of polycrystalline panels is lower than that of monocrystalline panels. You would require more of them to generate the same energy as you would with a monocrystalline panel array. Polycrystalline panels output may range between 250 to 300 watts.
Now, let’s calculate to determine the required number of panels. Assuming we have a solar panel system that runs on 400 watts. Since our system is 5kW or 5,000 watts, we divide 5,000 by 400 watts for each solar panel to get the system’s total wattage. This gives us 12.5 discussions, which we will sum up to 13. So, 13 solar panels with a 400-watt capacity are required to power a 5kW solar panel system. This equation is simple to modify to your specific equipment and requirements. This will cost you some roof space of about 25.2² because each panel will be approximately 1.8 meters × 1 meter.
Choose A 5kW Solar Inverter.
Users that choose a 5kW solar system off grid do not have to connect to the utility grid, making it noticeably distinct from the on-grid type. The direct current produced by the 5kW solar panel is also changed into the alternating current that the homeowners use by an off-grid solar inverter. Off-grid systems need to store electricity, making their users’ energy independent, which is safer for them. And other customers adore off-grid models since they are independent of the utility grid and can function even in a grid-wide power outage. Additionally, starting motorized equipment like freezers, motors, and pumps, as well as electrical equipment like TVs, computers, and battery chargers, is worry-free.
What Are The Battery Requirements For A 5kW Solar Inverter?
Batteries are necessary if you live off the grid to store energy, so you may use them when the sun sets. Your daily consumption and the inverter input will determine your required batteries. Most 5kw solar system off grid contains an inverter that runs from 96 to 120 volts. You need a 6 x 200ah battery bank if your system generates 20 kilowatts daily. The necessary battery bank will be less as your daily energy usage increases. There are batteries to store any excess power that is not being used. Therefore, the less energy used, the fewer batteries are required.
How Many Air Condition Can A 5kW Solar Inverter Power?
A 5kw solar inverter can run a big-sized house with several AC and may produce up to 20 kW per day. This can power two 1.5-ton, 15000 BTU AC units. Under optimum weather conditions, this 5kW solar inverter has a 9-hour runtime for a 2-ton split air conditioner. You might not have to make use of such massive AC units at once. Each room will likely have portable window air conditioners, but a 5kw solar system won’t have any issues with that. Either way, it all depends on the size of the AC and how long you run it.
Are you thinking of going off the grid?
Although it’s not for everyone, living off the grid with a 5kW solar system could be a terrific option if these circumstances apply to you:
You don’t have consistent access to Power since you reside in a small house, cottage, or remote location.
If you have a van or RV or live a mobile lifestyle.
You desire to live a green and energy-free lifestyle.
You intend to discontinue making utility payments.
If you live a nomadic or distant lifestyle, installing an off-grid solar system on your house is a terrific method to satisfy your energy needs. Make sure to precisely analyze your energy requirements before you put any solar panels on your roof. You’ll be able to construct the ideal solar system for your home once you know how much energy you consume.
kVA Solar power system plan plus installation in Nigeria
Buy with a single click a complete 5kVA solar power system for your home and office in Nigeria. Wavetra Energy Team will install your system once your order is confirmed. Installation fee and accessories in included in the final price.
This system is designed with super efficient MONO PERC solar panels and long lasting LiFePO4 batteries with up to 15 years life span.
3 Years Limited Warranty for this system.
This is what you get in this package:
- 3780Wp mono solar panels
- Customized solar panel module bracket for roof top installation
- 5kW solar hybrid pure sine wave inverter with inbuilt 80A MPPT charge controller
- 2 x 24V 5kWh Lithium FeO4 deep cycle battery with up to 15 years life
- Battery rack
- Cables, Circuit breakers and other accessories needed for installation
- System Installation by Wavetra Energy Team.
So what can this system really power? Answer: About 3,000W load.
At the end, it depends on the power rating of your appliances. But basically, this system can power:
- 6 LED bulbs
- 6 Table fans
- 1 TV
- 1 Laptop
- 1 Refrigerator
- 1 Deep freezer
Are you still not sure of your decision? Why don’t you contact us for FREE consultation? Call/WhatsApp: 08157171707, 07026058888
Please note that installation outside Lagos State may attract additional delivery charge.
Findings from the Site inspection by our team may alter the final price to pay by customer.
WHY CHOSE WAVETRA?
Wavetra Energy LTD. is Nigeria’s leading renewable energy solution provider since 2014. We specialize in
- installation of solar and wind power systems
- Sales of solar components
- Training Renewable energy academy
In 2018, we were awarded the most efficient renewable energy brand of the year.
We hope to be given the opportunity to advice you on energy use and efficiency and also inspect your site in other to give you the appropriate solar power system sizing for your company.
We also express our preparedness in helping your company save a lot of money spent on energy consumption by going solar. We provide the following benefits:
Special Offer for you:
- FREE solar consultation
- Trade-in of old batteries for best value
- Free site inspection
Premium Wavetra support for you:
You want to know the cost of going solar? Our team at Wavetra Energy can help you go solar. Click here to get a free quote.
please confirm the price of item before making payment as the price can change at any time. Call or contact us for up to date pricing of our products
- Prompt resolution of any issue through our HOT LINES: 07026058888, 08157171707
- Special dedicated email support: sales@wavetra.com
- Dedicated customer relationship manager for you
- Network of Wavetra Energy Academy trained technicians across the 6 geo-political zones of Nigeria
You will also enjoy our warranty on the following products:
- Solar panels – 5-year warranty and 25-year service guaranty.
- Inverters – 12 Months from the date of purchase
- SMF Battery – 200 AH – 12 Months from the date on invoice.
- Wet Cell Battery – 18 Months from the date on invoice or order payment/delivery.
If you have any questions please feel free to reach us at the contact numbers mentioned below.
Wavetra Energy LTD team will install your solar and inverter power system anywhere in Nigeria:
Install solar and inverter system in Abia Umuahia, Install solar and inverter system in Adamawa Yola, Install solar and inverter system in Akwa Ibom Uyo, Install solar and inverter system in Anambra Awka, Install solar and inverter system in Bauchi Install solar and inverter system in Bayelsa Yenegoa, Install solar and inverter system in Benue Makurdi Install solar and inverter system in Borno Maiduguri Install solar and inverter system in Cross River Calabar, Install solar and inverter system in Delta Asaba, Install solar and inverter system in Ebonyi Abakaliki, Install solar and inverter system in Enugu, Install solar and inverter system in Edo Benin, Install solar and inverter system in Ado Ekiti, Install solar and inverter system in Gombe, Install solar and inverter system in Imo Owerri, Install solar and inverter system in Jigawa Dutse, Install solar and inverter system in Kaduna, Install solar and inverter system in Kano, Install solar and inverter system in Birnin Kebbi, Install solar and inverter system in Kogi Lokoja, Install solar and inverter system in Kwara Ilorin, Install solar and inverter system in Katsina, Install solar and inverter system in Lagos Ikeja, Install solar and inverter system in Ondo Akure, Install solar and inverter system in Osun Osogbo, Install solar and inverter system in Oyo Ibadan, Install solar and inverter system in Ogun Abeokuta, Install solar and inverter system in Plateau Jos, Install solar and inverter system in Rivers Port Harcourt, Install solar and inverter system in Sokoto, Install solar and inverter system in Taraba, Jalingo, Install solar and inverter system in Yobe Damaturu, Install solar and inverter system in Zamfara Dutse
You want to know the cost of going solar? Our team at Wavetra Energy can help you go solar. Click here to get a free quote.
please confirm the price of item before making payment as the price can change at any time. Call or contact us for up to date pricing of our products
kW Solar Power System – Costs, Savings, Payback
A 5kW solar system is a medium-sized system perfect for family homes, small commercial buildings or larger homes with less energy usage.
- 14 Tier 1 Solar Panels
- CEC Approved 5 kW Inverter
- Installation by CEC Qualified Retailer
A 5kW solar system is a medium-sized unit perfect for family homes, small commercial buildings, or larger homes with less energy usage.
It’s no secret that electricity bills are a significant expense for every Australian to deal with each month. Rising tariff costs have driven many homes, offices, and commercial enterprises to seek more cost-effective ways to power their home. A 5kW solar system is an excellent alternative and widely suited to many homes.
5kW systems can provide more than the total energy consumption for the average Australian home, making it an obvious, and relatively inexpensive way to reduce your energy bills.
This article will advise you about the cost of 5kW solar systems, their energy output, how many panels they contain, and – most importantly – how much you can save by owning one.
Is a 5kW Solar System Suitable for My Home?
A 5kW solar system is suitable for medium-size homes with an energy bill between 400-600 per quarter. Determining household energy needs by the number of people in your home can be unreliable, but as a rule of thumb, an average 4-person household will be best suited to a 5kW household.
If your home does not have ducted air conditioning, a heated pool, or regularly uses large white good appliances, then a 5kW system should cover your usage needs. If you have an energy-hungry home and use more than 20-30kW a day, a larger system may be better suited. Or if you are a 2 person household with limited energy requirements then a 3kW solar system is better suited.
It can comfortably supply 20 kWh daily for an average household of four to five occupants.
If your home has a north, east, or west-facing roof with enough space, then a 5kW solar pv system will suit your home.
How Many Solar Panels are in a 5kW System?
The number of panels in a 5kW system depends on the wattage and size of the panel. A 5kW system produces 5000W of power. So, the number of panels, multiplied by the wattage of each panel, needs to equate to 5000W. On average, there are between 13-20 panels in a solar system, depending on the output of the solar panels themselves.
The panels produced nowadays have wattage as high as 400 W, however, at Instyle Solar, we use 370W panels. At this output, you would need 13-14 panels.
Below is a table showing the average number of panels needed for 5kW system relative to the power output of the panels:
| 200 | 25 |
| 250 | 20 |
| 300 | 17 |
| 350 | 14 |
| 370 | 14 |
| 400 | 13 |
The higher each panel’s wattage, the fewer panels a 5kW system will require.
Do I Have Enough Roof Space for a 5kW Solar System?
If your home is suited for solar, you’ll need between 25 – 35 m² of roof space to install a 5kW solar system.
Solar panels come in various sizes, depending on the manufacturing company, as we mentioned above.
A panel measures 1.7m x 1m in size and consists of 14 to 20 panels, based on the wattage.
You may plan to install a solar system with 370 W per panel. In this case, a 5kW system will consist of 14 solar panels.
However, to determine if your roof has enough space, first, you need to know if your roof is suitable for solar, including if it has multiple orientations or is made of hazardous material.
How Much Does a 5kW Solar System Cost?
A high-quality 5kW solar system ordinarily costs between 6,600 – 10,160 but due to government rebates available to Australian homeowners, a substantial portion of the upfront price is subsidised.
So, when looking to purchase a 5kW system, your budget should be between 4,500 – 8,000, depending on the components selected and the installer’s installation method.
The CEC determines fair price ranges for solar systems. They have determined a 5kW solar system should cost roughly between 3,500 – 9,500 if you are looking for a quality system.
| 2kW | 2,800 – 5,600 |
| 3kW | 2,900 – 6,950 |
| 4kW | 3,400 – 7,900 |
| 5kW | 3,500 – 9,500 |
| 10kW | 7,600 – 14,100 |
How Much Will a 5kW Solar System Save You?
On average, a 5kW system will save the average homeowner 56,521 over the course of its lifetime, with an average annual savings of 1,222.0 per year. This is the equivalent of 65,722 before tax over the lifetime of the system. This is based on the assumption that the homeowner has a bill of 600/qtr, installs the panels facing north, and uses 50% of the generated power. The actual amount a homeowner will save is dependent on the amount of power used in the home, the orientation of the solar panels, and the quality of the system.
This is because a 5kW solar system will produce on average 21 kWh per day; multiply that by the number of days in a year (365), and this will amount to 7,200 kWh of energy (21 kWh x 365 = 7,665 kWh).
Data from the Australian Energy Council shows that the average price per kilowatt-hour in Australia equals 25.05 cents (c/kWh).
Now, if you somehow used all of the 7,665 kWh of energy produced by the solar system in one year, you would still reach an annual saving of 1803.60.
However, not all homes use all the power they produce. In fact, some homeowners only consume 50% of the power they produce. In that case, the savings will be reduced.
What is the Payback Period for a 5kW Solar System?
A 5kW solar system would take an Australian household on average 3.43 years to pay off. This figure however depends on where you live, your cost of electricity, your feed-in tariff, and your daily energy usage.
To determine how long it would take to pay off a system, you must calculate the total monetary value of the energy produced by the system on an annual basis, and divide the cost of the system by this figure.
You can do this by figuring out what the cost of power is, how much you will export, and use in the home, and how what your daily savings are.
Below is a table that shows the average payback time for each capital city based on real production expectations, the latest electricity and more.
| Adelaide | 5,500.00 | 0.38 | 0.12 | 50% | 2,135.37 | 2.58 |
| Brisbane | 5,500.00 | 0.28 | 0.12 | 50% | 1,825.00 | 3.01 |
| Canberra | 5,500.00 | 0.23 | 0.12 | 50% | 1,405.25 | 3.91 |
| Darwin | 5,500.00 | 0.27 | 0.08 | 50% | 1,731.47 | 3.18 |
| Hobart | 5,500.00 | 0.25 | 0.065 | 50% | 1,063.86 | 5.17 |
| Melbourne | 4,000.00 | 0.20 | 0.12 | 50% | 1,197.20 | 3.34 |
| Perth | 5,500.00 | 0.29 | 0.10 | 50% | 1,886.14 | 2.92 |
| Sydney | 5,500.00 | 0.24 | 0.15 | 50% | 1,637.03 | 3.36 |
All figures are based on the latest prices. Rates and FiT may change. This is for informational purposes only. SolarVic provides up to 1500 towards solar.
How Long Will a 5kW Solar System Last?
High-quality 5kW solar systems like the ones we have at Instyle Solar come with a warranty of at least 25 years, and an estimated lifespan of 30 years.
This doesn’t mean that the system will stop producing energy after 25 years. It just won’t be as energy-efficient as it was previously. This is because panels degrade over time due to exposure to the sun’s heat and light. This is referred to as Light and Elevated Temperature Induced Degradation or LetiD. Higher quality panels are more resistant to this degradation and perform at their peak for longer.
A report by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in 2012 reveals that solar panels degrade by 0.8% per year on average. As long as external forces don’t damage the panel, the system will continue to serve you for between 25 to 40 years. By year 25, a solar panel is expected to perform at 80% of its original efficiency.
You should also consider inverter degradation. Residential solar inverters have shorter lifespans. They normally last about 10-15 years (with 5 to 10-year warranties). This means you will have to replace your solar inverter sooner than the actual panels.
You can extend the longevity and performance of a solar system through proper maintenance and cleaning.
How Much Power Does a 5kW Solar System Produce?
A 5kW solar system generates 21kWh of power per day on average. The actual amount a 5kW solar system will produce on a given day is impacted by the average sunlight received in your area, the weather, and the orientation of your solar panels.
This is because on average, an Australian household receives approximately 4.2 peak sun hours per day, however, this can vary based on location, with some cities receiving over 5 hours, and others under 4. A peak sun hour is the equivalent amount of sun received during the middle of the day. So while a solar system is in the sun from sunrise to sunset, the sunlight is closer to spending 4.2 hours in the sun during midday. A 5kW system will produce 5kW of power for every peak hour, so over 4.2 peak sun hours, a system will generate roughly 21kWh.
The amount of direct sunlight available in your location is the primary concern in calculating how much power your solar panels will generate, as the weather and climate will impact the total sunlight absorbed by the panels. For example, clouds or overcast weather can drastically reduce a system’s production.
Here is a table that shows the average system production for each major city, along with the number of peak sun hours it receives.
| Adelaide | 4.7 | 23.5 |
| Brisbane | 5 | 25 |
| Canberra | 4.4 | 22 |
| Darwin | 5.5 | 27.5 |
| Hobart | 3.7 | 18.5 |
| Melbourne | 4.1 | 20.5 |
| Perth | 5.3 | 26.5 |
| Sydney | 4.6 | 23 |
At Instyle Solar, when we calculate the output of a system, we use peak sun hours to make sure our models are correct in the long term.
Additionally, the orientation of the solar panels will impact your system’s ability to produce electricity from sunlight.
Will a 5kW Solar System Power Your Home?
A 5kW solar system is certainly powerful enough to cater to the average electrical needs of a four-to-five person household.
However, power compatibility depends on:
- Utilities and home appliances that consume energy and therefore determine the maximum power usage in your household.
- Your lifestyle. If you work from home, you’ll consume power all day, unlike a job where you can turn off the power supply until you return from work.
- Any electrical vehicles you own. If you have a Tesla or plan to buy one, a 5kW solar system won’t be enough to power both the car and your household.
- Your average daily energy usage during summer and winter.
Your solar system power compatibility depends on the above-listed factors and how these align to installation in your area.
To understand if a 5kW system can power your home, you’ll divide your average daily usage by 4.2 You can find your average daily use on your electricity bill.
Average daily usage (kWh) / 4 = Your recommended solar system size. Once again this is because a system will produce 4.2 times its size in power per day.
If the kilowatt per hour displayed on your home electricity bill shows you consume 20 kWh per day, a 5kW solar system will be enough. Anything higher than 20 kWh usage per day implies it won’t be sufficient.
We have given you a quick method to determine if a 5kW system will power your home. However, you can always speak to an expert at Instyle Solar for more in-depth advice on what solar system size will suit your needs and plans.
Can I Install a Battery with a 5kW Solar System?
The short answer to this question is yes.
Installing battery storage systems with a 5kW solar system will enable you to use more of the energy you produce.
According to reports from the Climate Council, installing a 4 kWh battery with your 5kW system for everyday use can boost the amount of self-generated solar power a household consumes from 30% to 60%.
That’s a considerable increase in the amount of self-generated solar power. No wonder analyst projections estimate that 50% of Australian households will implement a solar storage system over the next ten years.
But whether you should install a battery depends on your budget, energy usage, and more. Instyle Solar can help explain whether a battery will work for your home.
If you plan to reduce your carbon footprint, save money or reduce your home electricity bills, installing a battery with a 5kW system is an excellent first step. But you should also consider the additional cost of battery installation, your payback period, and how much you are likely to save over time.
Should I Consider a Larger or Smaller System?
A few things to consider before going solar are available space, energy needs, cost, and your overall aims for solar system installation.
A smaller system will produce less electricity than a larger system. Whether you’re a single occupant or a two-person household with low energy consumption, a smaller 3kW system will be plenty for daily use.
But if you want a system that will generate extra power so you can export the surplus into the grid and earn some money per kilowatt-hour, you should invest in a larger system. Or maybe you plan to buy an electric car in the near future. In either situation, a larger system is the better option.
The cost is also an important factor since larger solar systems will cost more than smaller solar systems, impacting the payback period.
If your aim is to reduce your carbon footprint, save money or reduce your household electricity bill, a small solar system will be more than sufficient.
What other systems are there?
There are a number of system sizes to choose from including:
Get Started!
Interested in getting solar for your home? By clicking below you can use our Smart solar calculator to find out just how much you could save with solar, what incentive you are eligible for, and the impact you will have on the environment.
Don’t wait until next quarter’s bloated bill, and get started today!
Join over 20,000 homeowners who have made the switch with Instyle Solar, or the 1000 positive reviewers who have been more than satisfied with their solar install.
Otherwise, you can always contact us on 1300 133 556, or email us at sales@instylesolar.com.au.
Ready to Start Saving with a 5 kW Solar System?
Let’s calculate exactly how much a 5 kW solar system could save you on your bills! Click now to get started.
An average-sized installation for the average home.
Residential solar installations run from a measly 2kW to a monstrous 25kW (or even bigger). Twenty-five kilowatts (kW) is a huge solar installation (at least for residential projects), equal to about 100 solar panels.
Don’t have that much space on your roof? Don’t worry! Most installations, such as the 5kW solar system, are well below that size. Most of us don’t even use enough electricity to warrant an installation that big! In fact, according to the National Renewable Energy Lab (p.5), the average installation is about 5.6kW.
Today, let’s take a peek at a 5kW installation to understand exactly how big that is, how much you can expect to pay for one, and how much you can save by installing a system of this size.
Efficiency first!
Before we get into the details of a 5kW installation, here’s a secret to help you save big bucks: before starting any solar project, take some simple steps to lower your overall energy use. Replace light bulbs with LEDs, add insulation if needed, and seal up air leaks around your doors and Windows.
Believe it or not, efficiency measures are actually a cheaper way to save money than installing solar! And with your lower electricity use, you’re able to install a smaller solar installation, thereby saving you even more. So if you’re thinking about solar, remember efficiency first!
Don’t know where to start? Have an energy audit performed on your home. During this process, a tech tours your house and notes any place where you’re wasting electricity. At the end of the audit, they’ll give you a prioritized list of actions that can lower your energy use.
These audits can be a little expensive (a couple hundred bucks for the full-blown edition), but utilities often provide discounts for them, so hop on your utility’s website to see what they offer.
How big is a 5kW solar system?
Alright, let’s get down to business. First, let’s take a look at exactly how big a 5kW installation really is.
What does 5kW actually mean?
A 5kW solar installation produces 5 kilowatts of electricity under perfect conditions. With LED light bulbs using about 9 watts (or.009 kilowatts), a 5kW installation could power 555 LEDs indefinitely – as long as perfect conditions remained 24/7 (5000 watts / 9 watts = 555 LEDs).
Over the course of an hour, one 9 watt LED uses 9 watt-hours of electricity. A 5kW solar installation, under perfect conditions, produces 5 kilowatt-hours (kWh) over the course of an hour, under perfect conditions. Over 10 hours, it produces 50 kWh.
In reality, we aren’t lucky enough to have perfect conditions. The sun goes down each night. Storms come in. Rain pours down. Some places, like Washington and New York, just don’t enjoy the same ultra-strong sunlight than Arizona and Nevada do.
In reality, your solar installation will produce less than its nameplate capacity. Exactly how much will depend on your location. The National Renewable Energy Lab’s PVWatts solar calculator gives us a glimpse into what we can expect a 5kW installation to produce over a year in different areas of the US. Let’s take a look:
- Anchorage, AK: 4,487 kWh/year
- Pittsburgh, PA: 6,085 kWh/year
- Lexington, KY: 6,592 kWh/year
- Miami, FL: 7,331 kWh/year
- Reno, NV: 8,371 kWh/year
A 5kW solar installation in Reno, NV, (one of the best states for solar) produces almost 2x more electricity annually than the same installation in Anchorage, Alaska! That’s obviously a pretty extreme example – installations contained within the contiguous US are much more similar. You can see that Pittsburgh, PA, only produces about 30% less than Reno.
The average home in the US uses about 10,800 kWh of electricity each year, so a 5kW installation will cover about 40% to 80% of the average home’s energy use (again, depending on location). Whether or not an installation of this size would cover your own energy use depends on how much electricity you use each year, and how much a 5kW solar installation produces in your area.
How many solar panels is that?
The typical residential solar panel produces about 265 watts (or.265 kilowatts). Yingli Solar, for example, produces residential solar panels in their popular YGE 60 Cell Series from 250 to 275 watts. At 265 watts, you’d need 19 solar panels to make up 5kW.
Premium, high-efficiency solar panels produce more electricity, so you’re able to install fewer panels – particularly useful if your roof is small. SolarWorld produces some of the best solar panels on the market, and their Sunmodule Plus enjoy a capacity up to 300 watts. At 300 watts, you’d need only 17 panels – saving about 30 square feet on your roof.
Speaking of roof space, just how much does a 5kW solar installation take up? Let’s take a look!
How much space does that take on my roof?
Residential solar panels are typically about 5 feet tall by 3 feet wide (65”x39” to be even more precise), equaling about 15 feet square. The 19 panels from our example above would total 285 square feet. If you went with the more efficient 17 panels, you’re looking at about 255 square feet – equal to a dorm room or (very) small studio apartment.
If you’re worried that you don’t have enough roof space for 285 square feet of solar panels, fear not! Most of us have plenty of space on our roofs for a solar installation of this size. As we already mentioned, the average solar installation in the US is actually a bit bigger than 5kW!
Most solar installations in the US use string inverters. These are inexpensive and reliable, but there are downsides: all your solar panels need to face the same direction and angle (roof tilt) to work properly. If you don’t have that much open space on your roof, there are ways to get around this.
First, there are special inverters out there that allow you to break up your solar panels into two groups (one group on a south-facing section of your roof, one on an east-facing section for example), allowing you to use different roof sections facing in separate directions and with different tilt angles.
If you’ve got multiple, smaller roof sections (like many new homes), you’re not out of luck just yet! Using microinverters under each solar panel instead of one string inverter allows you to install all your solar panels in different directions, as each panel is optimized individually. This allows you to install panels all over your roof – even if a section can only handle 2 or 3 panels.
How expensive is a 5kW solar system?
The price of installing solar has decreased dramatically over the last 10 years. What was once prohibitively expensive is now something most of us can easily afford – especially with all the different financing options out there!
Installing solar now costs about 3 per watt, 60% less than just 8 years ago in 2009! At this rate, your 5kW installation costs about 15,000. Compare that to 35k in 2009 and you can see just how far we’ve come.
Throwing in the 30% federal tax credit, your total investment drops to an astonishingly-low 10,500. You might even be eligible for additional state, local, or utility incentives to drop that cost even further. Check our state guides to see what additional benefits you qualify for.
How much money you can actually save with a 5kW installation depends on 2 things: your solar installation’s electricity production (i.e. your location, like we described above), and your utility’s electricity prices. The more your utility charges, the more you save by avoiding those and producing your own electricity!
We’ve already looked at a few locations above, so let’s do the math for a couple of them:
Anchorage, AK
- Solar Production: 4,487 kWh/year, dropping 0.8% annually due to degradation (p.6)
- Average Electricity Cost: 0.22 per kWh, 3.7% annual increase
- Total Savings: 20,866
As we already know, solar installations don’t produce nearly as much electricity in Alaska as in other areas of the US. However, Alaskan residents suffer from some of the highest electricity rates in the country, so they can still save quite a bit!
If you purchased 4,487 kWh (with an annual 0.8% drop) each year over the next 25 years (the estimated life of most solar installations) at the average utility cost in Alaska, you’d pay a total of 35,866. Yikes!
With the average solar installation costing about 15,000, Alaskans are able to save about 20k in total by installing a 5kW system (35,866 – 15,000 = 20,866). Not a bad deal, huh?
If we accounted for the federal tax credit (which we didn’t), savings would actually be closer to 25k!
As we mentioned, though, electricity in Alaska are sky-high, so let’s take a look at a state with electricity closer to what most of us experience.
Pittsburgh, PA
- Solar Production: 6,085 kWh/year
- Average Electricity Cost: 0.14 per kWh, 2.6% Annual Increase
- Total Savings: 11,530
With the average utility charging about 0.14 per kWh in Pennsylvania and raising rates 2.6% each year, you’d spend 26,530 over the next 25 years purchasing 6,085 kWh each year. Solar production in Pennsylvania isn’t spectacular by any means, and even with electricity being quite average (just a penny more than the national average), you can save about 11,500 by installing solar!
These savings are pretty great, right? If you don’t take our word for it, open up Microsoft Excel and do the math yourself! All our sources are publicly available from the federal government, so open up the links above and get to work. I think you’ll like what you find!
Installing a 5kW solar installation isn’t going to break the bank (especially with all the financing available now) and can save you quite a bit over its lifetime. It’s not a gigantic system, but many homeowners find it nearly the perfect size for their needs.
Interested in reading about bigger systems? Check out our article on 20kW installations! How about smaller? Read up on 3kW installations as well.
Have questions on system size? Ask away in the Комментарии и мнения владельцев!
Mercury 5KVA Inverter 4X 200AH Batteries 8x 300 Watts Mono Solar Panels
Mercury 5KVA Inverter 4X 200AH batteries and 8X high efficiency 300 watts Mono Solar Panels with Solar Charge Controller. This is a complete Solar Power System that will allow you to power your home with or without NEPA, day and night. The Mercury 5KVA Inverter Pure Sine Wave with UPS functionality is a generation ahead of the entire category. That’s because our break through chip embedded sine wave’ technology delivers the same current as you get from your mains. The distinguishing features of this Mercury 5KVA inverter Pure Sine Wave are:
Sine Wave Output suitable for PC
DSP Based Inteiligent Control Circuit
Graphical (LED) / LCD Display (Message and Faults)
Automatic Power Factor Correction
Smarter Overload Senses Short Circuit Protection
Mercury 5kva Inverter Specification
Voltage Range 180 VAC. 265VAC ± 5 VAC (UPS Mode) 100 VAC. 280 VAC ± 15 VAC (NOR Mode) Line Low Detection 180V ± 5V (UPS Mode) / 100V ± 15V (NOR Mode) Line Low Comeback 190V ± 5V (UPS Mode) / 110V ± 10V (NOR Mode) Line Low Detection 265V ± 5V (UPS Mode) / 280V ± 15V (NOR Mode) Line Low Comeback 255V ± 5V (UPS Mode) / 270V ± 10V (NOR Mode) Frequency Transfer Input Frequency 45-55 Hz
Characterstics (AC)
Inverter Full Load Power 4000 Power Factor 0.8 factor (on resistive load) On-Line Mode Sine Wave Battery Mode Sine Wave On-Line Output voltage Follow the Line Voltage Battery Mode Output Voltage 200 VAC ± 10% Transfer Time (No-Load) Frequency at Battery Mode 50 Hz ± 1 Hz
Characterstics (DC)
DC Supply Voltage 48V Battery Floating Charge Voltage 54.0 VDC ± 0.8 VDC Charge Current Battery Voltage Low Alarm 42.4 VDC ± 0.8 VDC Battery Discharge Protection 41.6 VDC ± 0.4 VDC Over Charge Protection 60.0 VDC ± 0.8 VDC
0ah Deep Cycle Battery Specification
| Nominal Voltage | |
| Rated Capacity(20 Hour Rate) | |
| 10 Hour Rate (18.4A) | |
| 5 Hour Rate (32.0A) | |
| 1 Hour Rate (120.0A) | |
| 15 Minute Rate (328A) 82.0AH |
0 Watt Monocrystalline Solar Panel Specification
| Maximum Power/Pmax(W) | |
| Maximum Power Tolerance | |
| Open Circuit Voltage | |
| Short Circuit Current | |
| Max Power Voltage | |
| Max Power Current | |
| Weight(Kg) | |
| Dimensions(mm) | |
| Max System Voltage | |
| Max Over Current Protecting Rating(A) | |
| Module Application Class |