How much power does a 5kW system produce?

A 5kW solar system will produce approximately 20-22kW (20-22 units) of energy per day, depending on a range of factors. There are 9 factors that generally affect the energy output of a 5kW solar system each day:

Sunlight (amount): How much sunlight is your solar system exposed to?
Sunlight (intensity): How intense is your sunlight?
Daylight hours: How many daylight hours do you get? Will vary throughout the year.
Shadows: Do you have shadows cast across your roof due to buildings or trees?
Intermittent sunlight: Does your roof have intermittent shading?
Orientation/Tilt: What orientation and/or tilt are your solar panels on? This can be optimised by your solar panel installer, so that is why it is recommended that you always use an experienced industry professional.
Efficiency: This takes into account both the size of your solar panels and how efficient the solar cells are at converting energy.
Days of sunlight: How many full sun days do you get, compared to cloudy or partially cloudy days?
Temperature: What is the actual operating temperature of your solar panels?

On average, a household uses around 16kW of power a day (depending on family size), but installing a solar system does not automatically mean your electricity bill will drop to zero. The times of day that you use your power has a bearing too - but that is a topic for another day.

If you take a look at these above points and remove numbers 4 and 6, your location in Australia really does determine the efficiency of your 5kW system.

Who would use a 5kW solar system?

A 5kW solar system is generally recommended for medium to large families of 4 or more people, who use a range of appliances such as a fridge, multiple TVs, 5+ loads of washing a week, 5+ dryer loads a week, multiple air conditioners (or reverse cycle) and 5+ dishwasher loads a week. It is also suited to people who have a R4000 or more electricity budget per billing cycle.

Note this is just a guide though - always speak to the solar professionals about your exact circumstances for the best solar system for your specific power needs.

How much does a 5kW solar system cost?

The cost of a 5kW solar system depends on a range of factors, including:

The brand of solar system you choose
The number of solar panels you require
The strength of your solar panels e.g. 250kW vs 300kW vs 330kW
The location of your solar panels and their ease of installation
If you are eligible for any STCs (Small-Scale Technology Certificates)
Any additional warranty protection
Whether you wish to add a battery

It is always good to remember that, with solar panels, you get what you pay for. Always use blue-chip manufacturers and always complete extensive research before choosing a solar system for your home or workplace.

What is the average payback period for a 5kW system?

The average payback period for a 5kW solar system is 2.5 - 5 years, depending on the circumstances. It is crucial to remember that the less power you export back to the grid, the less amount of time it will take to pay off your solar system.