5kW Solar Power Systems

To power an average Australian family home, a 5kW solar power system is considered a sizable and efficient option, providing ample electricity. If you find that a 5kW solar system is insufficient for your household needs, it's possible that your home is consuming electricity well above the Australian average kWh domestic consumption rate. In such cases, you may need to consider energy-efficient measures or upgrading to a larger solar system to cater to your high energy consumption.

If you are considering the installation of a solar power system with battery storage or plan on adding batteries later on, it is recommended that you opt for a minimum system size of 5kW. This size will ensure that you have adequate energy production and storage capacity to meet your current and future energy needs. Choosing a system that is too small could result in inadequate power supply and storage, leaving you with energy shortages during peak periods. Therefore, it is important to make an informed decision and select a system size that suits your current and future energy demands.

How Many Solar Panels in a 5kW System?

To generate 5kW of power from solar energy, you will require 20 solar panels, each capable of producing 250W. It is important to note that these panels will need to be mounted on a minimum area of 32m², with each panel measuring 1.6m x 1m. For a better visualization of the size of the 5kW solar array, please refer to the image below.

Relative area of a 5kW solar array
Relative area of a 5kW solar array

How Much Power Can a 5kW Solar Power System Produce?

A 5kW solar PV system is expected to produce approximately 20kWh per day, which is slightly higher than the average daily energy consumption of Australian homes, which ranges from 16-18kWh. However, due to the fact that most residents are away from their homes during the day when the system is generating solar energy, installing a 5kW system does not necessarily mean that you will never have to pay for electricity again. This can be particularly challenging for night shift workers who are more likely to consume energy when the system is not producing solar power. As a result, the home energy storage market has experienced significant innovation and hype, with various technological advancements being developed to address this issue and improve the efficiency and reliability of solar PV systems.

How Much Can I save with a 5kW Solar Power System?

In a grid-connected solar power system, the electricity generated by the solar panels can be used immediately by the homeowner or exported to the grid. The rate paid to solar system owners for exporting power into the grid varies by location and is typically around 8 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in Australia. However, the cost to buy power from the network is closer to 30 cents per kWh, making it more cost-effective to use the electricity generated by your solar panels rather than exporting it.

When considering the financial benefits of a 5kW solar power system, it's important to take into account not only how much power the system generates compared to how much you use but also when you use it. Here are some possible scenarios and their outcomes:

1. If you use 100% of the power generated by your system and don't export any, you can save up to $2,150 in the first 12 months and up to $67,100 over the next 20 years (with inflation at 5%). While it's unlikely that you will use all the power generated by your system, it's still a good benchmark to keep in mind.

2. If you use half of the power generated by your system and export the other half to the grid, you can save around $1,400 in the first 12 months.

3. If you export 100% of the power generated by your system to the grid, you can save around $700 in the first year.

Keep in mind that these savings are estimates, and the actual savings will depend on a range of factors, including your energy usage patterns, the size and orientation of your solar panels, and the feed-in tariff rates in your area.

For more detailed information on grid-connected solar power systems, check out the SolarQuotes.com.au website, which offers an excellent Solar Payback Calculator to help you estimate the financial benefits of installing a solar power system.

How Much Does a 5kw Solar Power System Cost?

With the current rebate available, the cost of a 5kW solar power system has become more affordable. In 2023, homeowners can expect to pay between $4,500 and $8,000 for a 5kW solar power system after the rebate is applied.

Whats the Payback Time for a 5kw Solar Power System?

A 5kW solar power system can be a smart investment, especially if you use all the power it generates instead of buying electricity from the grid. In fact, with these savings, a 5kW system can pay for itself in just five years.

If you're considering financing the system, you may be able to start saving money right away. If the amount you save on your monthly power bill is greater than the monthly payment of the loan, you'll be ahead from day one. However, it's important to ensure that the solar panels are insured in case of any damage caused by storms or other unforeseen events.

To ensure that you get the most out of your investment, follow these two key pieces of advice when buying and installing a 5kW solar system:

1. Use a reliable Solar Payback Calculator to determine the right kW size for your system, taking into account your energy consumption habits and your goals for solar energy.

2. Obtain at least three solar quotes from reputable and accredited solar panel installers to ensure that you get the best deal and the highest quality installation possible.

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