Solar systems are an excellent source of stable, secure, and reliable energy for all locations, and at all times of the day. Arguably the cleanest form of renewable energy, a solar system can be used to help power a home or business.
The system achieves this through the solar-powered photovoltaic (PV) panels which we see atop buildings. These PV panels take the energy of sunlight and convert it into useful electricity by stimulating electrons in silicon crystals using the photons of light from the sun. For most, beyond just being a clean, green source of electric power, solar systems are the energy source of the future.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts that solar would become the fastest growing renewable energy source. “What we are witnessing is the birth of a new era in solar photovoltaics. We expect that solar PV capacity growth will be higher than any other renewable technology up to 2022,” Dr Fatih Birol, an executive director at IEA said.
That said, if you are looking for a solar power system that can easily compensate for your home’s electricity usage, then you should consider getting a 5kW solar system. This system is the go-to option for most individuals because, among other things, it is cost-effective, performs well in all weather conditions, offers high flexibility, and can easily be expanded.
Now that you know how the 5kW solar power system can benefit you, here are some of the cost and technical information you should be aware of as well:
What is a 5kW Solar Power System?
A 5kW solar system is a power system designed to supply 5,000 watts of DC power. This power system size is ideal for larger homes housing 5 or more people. In other words, the 5kW solar power system is most suited for households that consume around 920kWh of light per month.
While there are other sizes of solar panels, such as the 3Kw one, the 5kW solar panel system is the most common among households and businesses.
How Much Power Does A 5kw Solar System Produce Per Day?
One of the first things homeowners want to know when considering solar systems is the power output, and rightly so. This is because the power output determines how big the system generation is.
With solar systems, the conventional wisdom is that more sunshine equals more electricity. For maximum solar power, therefore, the best direction to face your solar panels would be where they will be exposed to the most sunlight.
Generally, the factors that determine the 5kW solar system output per day include the amount of sunlight the panels are exposed to, the orientation and tilt angle of the solar power generation system, number of daylight hours in your location, the size of the solar panels, sunshine duration, solar intensity, among others.
Thus, the amount of power a solar system will produce equals the output of an inverter multiplied by peak sun hours for your location. Now, assuming you live in a place where the peak sun hours is 5 hours, your 5kW power system will generate 25kW (5 hrs. x 5kW) per day.
Also, note that your solar system will be less efficient if sunlight is blocked by objects such as trees and buildings.
How Much Does It Cost to Install A 5kw Solar System?
Approximately 1 in 5 homes has solar systems installed on their roofs in Australia. The prevalence of solar systems in Australia has been attributed to the significantly lower system prices in the country.
Getting a 5kW solar power system at the right price will be one of the most important decisions you will make since it means you can save tons of money. Knowing the approximate amount to pay for a solar system will help you make an informed decision instead of going in blindly.
In Australia, a 5kW solar system costs approximately $1.26 per watt or $6,800, fully installed. Prices will vary based on your location, components used, and the firm handling the PV system.
Solar system prices are determined by taking into account the roof size and factors that could make the installation process difficult.
How Many Solar Panels Do I Need for A 5kw System?
If you are looking to invest in a 5kW solar system, chances are that you have wondered how many solar panels you will need for your home or business. Since solar panels make electricity generation possible, it is normal that you would want to determine the number of solar panels that will produce enough power to meet your electricity consumption.
These panels help convert sunlight into electric power or heat used to provide electricity. The number of panels you will need depends on the panel size, such as 190W or 250W. So, assuming you use 250W panels along with your 5kW solar system, you will need around 20 panels.
Also, each 250W panel measures about 1.6m x 1m, meaning you will need a minimum of 32m2 of roof space to install them. Once installed, solar panels can last up to 25 years if properly maintained.
However, you will need to take certain precautions to ensure that you are getting solar panels that can last that long as well as those that are right for you. These include:
Check the warranty information: As a home- or business owner who is making a significant investment in solar panels, it is normal that you would want protection in the event your new power source develops a fault. Most solar systems are built with quality craft. Nevertheless, errors happen despite a manufacturer’s best intentions and efforts. So when purchasing solar panels, it is recommended to go for those that offer between 10-20 years’ warranty. Doing so help ensures you are covered for a long time.
Determine the type of panel you want to install: Advances in technology means that there are now several types of solar panels on the market. To make things easier, it is recommended to have an idea of the kind of solar panels you want to install before you proceed to buy. Some of the options available to you include monocrystalline solar panels (Mono-SI), polycrystalline solar panels (p-si), concentrated PV cell (CVP), thin film solar cells, etc. It is advised that you research extensively before you proceed to buy.
Check certifications: Check certifications for the type of testing done on solar panels before you proceed to purchase.
Get recommendation: If you have a friend or family member who is familiar with solar systems, do not hesitate to ask them questions. They will help guide you along.
