5kW Solar Systems: What Are They and How Do They Perform?

When going solar for the very first time, it’s completely natural to feel some degree of overwhelmed and confusion.

With so many options in terms of best solar panel type, size, and installation option, how on earth are you meant to make the right call?

That’s where G Store comes in. With over 15 years of expertise in helping our customers choose a solar system that’s best fit to their needs, we can do the same for you.

It’s currently estimated that around 3 million Australian households have installed rooftop solar systems, according to the Australian Clean Energy Regulator. This number is set to grow even more in the coming 5 years.

In this article, we’ll offer you the best tips and tricks for joining the solar crowd. We’ll take a look at the pros and cons of a 5kW solar system, one of the most popular sizes for residential projects, including a look at key questions such as:

• What different sizes of solar system are available?
• Which sized solar system is the most popular?
• What are the specific pros and cons of a 5kW solar system?
• How does a 5kW solar system compare to others?
• Which solar system is best fit to my needs?

Ready? Let’s get started.

What are the different sizes of solar systems?

Put simply, like many products, solar systems come in a range of sizes to suit the needs of different households and businesses.

The ideal size of a solar system required depends on a range of factors, including:

• Your energy consumption
• The size and orientation of the roof upon which the system will be installed
• The budget available to you (don’t forget to factor in the wide range of government incentives now available!)

The most popular sizes of solar system include the following:

1. Small solar systems: These are typically 1-2kW in size and are suitable for small households or properties with low energy consumption
2. Medium solar systems: These are typically 3-6kW in size and are suitable for average-sized households with moderate energy consumption
3. Large solar systems: These are typically 7-10kW or more in size and are suitable for larger households or businesses with high energy consumption
4. Commercial solar systems: These are typically larger than 10kW and are designed for commercial or industrial use

But wait. What does that “kWh” mean?

The abbreviation kWh stands for kilowatt-hour: a unit of measurement for electrical energy. In the context of solar system size, kWh is a measure of how much energy each specific system can produce or generate over a period of time.

A solar system’s size is typically described in terms of its maximum capacity or output, which is expressed in kilowatts (kW). For example, a 5kW solar system is capable of generating up to 5 kilowatts of electricity at its maximum output.

To estimate how much energy a solar system will generate over time, the kW rating is typically multiplied by the number of hours of sunlight received per day and then multiplied by the number of days in the year. The resulting number is expressed in terms of kWh, which is a measure of the total amount of energy generated by the solar system over that period.

Which sized solar PV panel system is the most popular?

In Australia, the most popular size for a solar PV panel system is generally considered to be between 3kW to 6kW, depending on the household’s energy consumption and available roof space.

According to a recent report published by the Australian Photovoltaic Institute (APVI) in collaboration with UNSW Sydney, the most popular size for a solar PV panel system in Australia was 6.6kW. The report stated that 6.6kW solar PV panel systems accounted for 27% of all solar PV installations in Australia, followed by 10kW systems at 14%.

The report also found that the average size of a solar PV panel system installed in Australia two years later was 8.5kW, which represents an increase from previous years. The increase in system size is attributed to falling solar panel prices, which have made it more cost-effective to install larger systems.

But is a larger solar system right for you?

What are the benefits of choosing a 5kW solar system over other systems?

While, overall, it remains important to work with a specialist installer to understand which sized solar system is right for you (hello – award-winning team over here!), there are several benefits to choosing a smaller solar system, including:

1. Lower upfront costs

Smaller solar systems typically have lower upfront costs than larger systems, making them more affordable for households or businesses with limited budgets. This can make solar energy a more accessible option for those who may not be able to afford a larger system.

In fact, Australia is home to some of the lowest solar PV system prices in the world, thanks to a broad combination of factors. According to the Solar Choice Price Index, the average cost of a 5kW solar system in Australia as of October 2022 is about $1.08 per watt – or about AUD$5,410 – after the STC rebate has been deducted and including GST.

Remember, however, that the upfront cost of your solar system is highly dependent on the quality of panels offered. At G Store, we offer solar panels with an industry-best warranty of 40 years, plus a huge range of other benefits. Find out more about SunPower here.

More affordable than you had considered it might be? We thought so!

2. Suitable for lower energy consumption

If your household or business has lower energy consumption needs, a smaller solar system may be enough to meet your energy needs. This can help to ensure that you are not over-investing in solar power and can maximise your savings on electricity bills.

If, however, you do produce more solar energy than what you can use, battery storage is a highly profitable option.

Yes – you can start making money from the energy you produce!

So it is that the financial returns from a 5kW solar installation are often contingent on whether or not a solar feed-in tariff is available to the owner/operator of the solar system.

3. More flexible installation options

Smaller solar systems require less roof space, which can make them a more flexible option for installation on homes or buildings with limited roof space.

This can also make installation quicker and easier, as smaller systems require fewer solar panels and less equipment.

4. Easier to maintain

Smaller solar systems typically require less maintenance than larger systems, as they have fewer components and are less complex.

Wrapping up

Key to picking the right solar systems for your needs is speaking with a highly qualified solar retailer and installer like G Store to help you get it right the first time.

With 15+ years of expertise and as a SunPower Elite Partner, Enphase Platinum Installer, and Tesla Powerwall Certified installer, why not check out our Learning Centre or give our award-winning team a call today on 1300 137 567