Get up to 4 quotes by filling in only 1 quick form
Slash your energy bills by installing solar panels
We’ve helped over 500,000 homeowners reduce their carbon footprint
5kW Solar Panel System in the UK
- A 5kW solar panel system costs between £7,500 - £8,500 and can save you £600 annually.
- A 5kW system can last up to 30 years and you will likely break-even after 13 years.
- 5kW solar systems are well-suited for larger homes housing 4 or more people.
Installing a 5kW solar panel system will allow you to save money and become more energy-efficient while also taking advantage of the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme, which rewards homeowners for feeding back surplus solar energy to the grid.
Solar panels in general have experienced a decrease in price over the recent years, as the competition between solar panel companies has increased both on the UK market and worldwide. This is mostly thanks to solar panel grants and schemes, and a growing number of solar panel manufacturers. In this article, we’ll tell you all there is to know about 5 kW solar system.
If you are ready to install a 5kW solar system in your home, GreenMatch can help you. You can get up to 4 free, non-binding solar panel quotes by filling in our 1-minute contact form. Don't spend hours researching for solar installers near you by using our service and you’ll be able to compare and choose the perfect solution for your home.
- Quotes from local engineers
- Payment by finance available
- Save up to £915 per year
How Much Does a 5kW Solar Panel System Cost?
Solar panels cost become more expensive as the system size and output increase. There is a vast range of prices and qualities for solar panel systems.
A 5kW solar system in the UK market varies in price from £7,500 - £8,500. The price of a 5kW solar power system installation varies as well, depending on the chosen installer. Some installers work with low cost solar panels, while others prefer premium options only.
This should cost approximately £5,000. The availability of more solar panel installation companies in the UK gives reassurance that there are options for choosing the best 5kW solar system price/quality for installation.
When calculating the total cost of a 5kW solar system, the following factors should be taken into consideration:
- Installation cost by an MCS-certified installer (otherwise you are not eligible for the SEG scheme)
- The system cost
- The maintenance cost (these are low)
- Tariff rates under the SEG scheme
As you can earn money back under the best SEG tariff, this will ultimately reduce the overall cost of the 5kW solar system investment.
How Much Can You Earn With a 5kW System?
Under the new Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme, UK homeowners can export surplus energy they have produced from their 5kW solar system installation, and get money for it. You can measure the performance of your solar panels with a smart meter—that way figures are automatically sent to your energy provider.
The SEG scheme doesn't dictate the tariff rates the licensed suppliers need to provide to their customers (the homeowners), but on average, you would receive between 5-6p per kWh.
Storage systems are also eligible under the SEG, meaning that you can earn money on energy that you have stored.
What Are the Benefits of a 5kW Solar Panel System?
Solar panel systems, in general, contain many advantages compared to other sources of energy. Outlined below are several key reasons that make these units more beneficial in buying:
- 5kW solar system costs can be paid back within as little as 4 years.
- There is no maintenance or ongoing cost. The cleaning and maintenance of 5kW solar panels can be even automated through the installation of automated cleaners.
- The solar panels are guaranteed to last at least 25 years with an estimated lifespan of 40 years.
- A 5kW solar panel system would add more value to the home it is installed on.
- A 5kW system is enough to make a household independent from the grid, supplying sufficient energy for this to occur.
How Much Energy Does a 5kW Solar Panel System Produce?
A 5kW solar panel system generates approximately 20 kWh on a good day with sunshine and around 4,500 kWh of electricity is generated throughout the year. The real power generated will depend on various factors such as the location, performance of the equipment and the installation. The power produced by a 5kW unit makes it a sufficient system to meet the needs of a large household in the UK.
The size of a system will determine how many solar panels you need. A 5kW solar system is made up of 20 solar panels, assuming that the panels have 250-watt capacity. The size of each panel will be approximately 1.6 m x 1 m, so at least 32 m² of roof space is needed to suit the space needs of this system.
Households with lower energy consumption can still benefit from higher output. A 5kW system is an ideal choice if you plan to install a solar battery in the future, as it can minimise wasted energy and let you use it later. The average Lithium-based solar battery size for a UK household is between 10kWh to 20kWh based on a 2 to 3-person household's consumption. That way, any produced energy stays stored up for when the sun goes down. You can check our dedicated reviews to learn more about the best battery for solar panels.
Factors Affecting Solar Panel Efficiency
While you can get a rough estimate of the power output of a 5kW solar panel system, you should keep in mind that there are several factors that will inevitably affect the solar panel efficiency. For example:
- The geographic location of the solar panel: this affects the daily solar irradiation and defines the potential output of the system.
- The solar panel must be placed where the most sunlight is in contact with the system. Otherwise, shade can lessen substantially the power output.
- Orientation and tilt angle of the 5kW solar panel array is also important. In the end, it's all about how intense the sun can hit the panels!
- The performance and features of the individual components may also be significant, as not all brands provide the same energy efficiency.
- Keep also an eye on the solar panel, so that it does not get obstructed by foliage, snow or anything else that can interfere with the sunlight exposure.
Find the Best 5kW Solar Panel
Finding the best 5kW solar panel system for your household can be tricky. As stated above, there are a number of differences between 5kW solar panels that are on the market today.
GreenMatch has got you covered with a compiled list of the best suppliers in the industry. Simply fill in the form at the top of the page and you will get up to 3 quotes. It’s easy, free and implies no further obligation.
- Quotes from local engineers
- Payment by finance available
- Save up to £915 per year
We strive to connect our customers with the right product and supplier. Would you like to be part of GreenMatch?
