Ultimate Guide to 5kW Solar Power System [2025 Update]

A 5kW solar power system can power most household appliances, making it a practical option for meeting the daily electricity needs of a UK home. It is often a suitable choice for a four-bedroom house. Therefore, 5kW solar power systems are popular with UK homeowners for their versatility and energy-saving capabilities.

This guide will focus on the cost of a 5kW solar power system, the potential solar savings, and the number of panels required. Moreover, suppose you think solar power systems cost too much. In that case, you can consider a portable solar system, like Jackery Solar Generator, which combines Jackery Solar Panels with a Portable Power Station to turn sunlight into electricity. Wall sockets and carports can also recharge the power station on cloudy or rainy days. 

The Basics of 5kW Solar Power System 

This section will help you better understand this new energy technology by briefly introducing the definition, system components and working principle of a 5kw solar power system. You can build a 5kW solar power system by purchasing solar panels with a total rated power of 5,000 watts (W) combined. Under standard test conditions, a 5kW solar power system can generate 5,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually.

Components of 5kw Solar Power System

A complete 5kw solar power system usually consists of the following main parts:

Solar panels: A 5kw solar power system usually requires the installation of multiple solar panels.

Inverter: A 5kW solar power system usually has a 5kW inverter.

Solar controller: It can manage the system's efficient and stable operation under different environmental conditions.

Brackets: Use brackets to fix and mount the solar panels, ensuring they can receive solar radiation at the best angle.

Wires: Suitable wires connect the different parts of the 5kw solar power system to ensure the safe transmission of current.

Battery (optional): A 5kw solar power system usually requires a battery with a storage capacity of 11 – 12kWh.

How Does a 5kw Solar Power System Work?

The working principle of a 5kw solar power system is the same as any other solar panel system. It converts sunlight into clean electricity, so you don't have to rely on the power grid to power your home.

During the day, after receiving solar radiation, the solar panels convert light energy into DC electricity through the photovoltaic effect. The generated DC electricity is transmitted to the battery for storage (if the system includes a battery) through the solar controller or directly to the inverter for conversion. After the inverter's conversion, the DC power is converted into AC power, which is supplied to home or commercial electrical equipment or input into the power grid for grid-connected power generation.

How Many Solar Panels Are Needed for a 5kW Solar Power System? 

To determine how many solar panels are needed for a 5kW solar power system, you first need to consider their power. Generally speaking, the power of solar panels in standard residential solar systems on the market ranges from 300 W to 500 W (or 0.3 kW—0.5 kW).

Assuming that a 300-watt solar panel is selected, the number of solar panels required for a 5kW solar power system is as follows:

Total power of 5kW solar power system/power of each solar panel = number of solar panels required

5kW/0.3 kW≈17

Therefore, about 17*300W solar panels are required to build a 5kW solar power system. Depending on the size of the panels, the following are the number of solar panels required for a 5kW solar power system:

• If it is a 300W (or 0.3 kW) solar panel, at least 17 panels are required.

• If it is a 350W (or 0.35 kW) solar panel, at least 15 panels are required.

• If it is a 400W (or 0.4 kW) solar panel, then at least 13 panels are required.

• If it is a 450W (or 0.45 kW) solar panel, then at least 12 panels are required.

• If it is a 500W (or 0.5 kW) solar panel, at least 10 panels are required.

Other Factors Affecting the Number of Solar Panels

In addition to the power of the solar panels, the number of solar panels is also affected by the following factors:

Roof Area: A 5kW solar power system usually requires a roof area of about 16m² to 34m² (each solar panel is about 1.6m² – 2m²).

Roof Orientation: In the UK, south-facing roofs receive the most sunlight. In contrast, east- and west-facing roofs can absorb sunlight, but their power generation efficiency is relatively low.

Solar Panel Tilt Angle: In the UK latitude range, solar panels should be tilted between 30 and 45 degrees to capture sunlight in both winter and summer effectively.

Shadow: Wood, buildings, chimneys, and other obstacles may decrease the efficiency of some panels' cells, affecting overall power generation.

Budget: With a limited budget, owners may need to consider the number and quality of panels or install them in stages to gradually achieve energy self-sufficiency.

How Much Does a 5kW Solar Power System Cost in the UK?

Many potential investors in the UK are focused on the cost of a 5kW solar power system as a medium-sized configuration for home use. Below, we will explore the cost of installing a 5kW solar power system in the UK.

Cost of 5kW Solar Power System

The following is an analysis of the cost components of installing a 5kW solar power system in the UK.

Hardware Equipment Cost

First, hardware equipment is the main cost component of a solar power generation system. The hardware equipment of a 5kW solar power system (excluding batteries) includes solar panels, inverters, bracket systems, and other necessary components such as cables and junction boxes. According to market conditions, the cost of hardware equipment for a 5kW solar power system is between £7,500 and £8,500. (Data Source: whatcost.co.uk)

Adding batteries to a solar power system requires considerable investment. In the UK, it usually costs £9,000 – £10,000 to add batteries (11 to 12kWh) to a 5kW solar power system.

Installation Costs

Secondly, installation costs are also an essential part of the cost of solar power systems. Professional installation teams are responsible for the system's design, installation, and commissioning. Installation costs in the UK vary depending on the region, time, and installation conditions (such as roof structure and tilt angle). Still, generally speaking, the labour cost of installing a solar power system is about £600-£1,000 per day. The installation of a solar power system usually takes two to three days.

Other Costs

There are some additional costs to consider, such as system design fees (about a few hundred pounds), grid connection fees (£200 to £500), etc. This part of the cost varies significantly because of the different regions and cooperative electricity suppliers. In addition, compared with the cost of hardware equipment and installation, this part of the cost can be considered insignificant.

What Factors Affect the Cost of a 5kW Solar Power System?

The cost of a 5kW solar power system is usually affected by many factors.

Solar Panel Types

Monocrystalline silicon panels have the highest photoelectric conversion efficiency (up to 24%), but the manufacturing process is complex, and the cost is relatively high. Polycrystalline silicon panels have a slightly lower conversion efficiency and are relatively low-cost. Thin-film solar panels are low-cost but have low conversion efficiency and poor stability.

Number of Panels

Installing more panels means a higher initial investment cost but can also increase power output. Therefore, the number of panels must be reasonably configured according to the power demand and budget.

Brands and Manufacturers

Solar panels from different brands and manufacturers vary in quality, performance, efficiency, and after-sales service, leading to other prices. Well-known brands and high-quality manufacturers usually provide more reliable products and extended warranty periods, but the prices are also relatively high.

How Much Will a 5kW Solar Power System Help You Save in the UK?

How much money can a 5kW solar power system save you in the UK? Under ideal conditions, a 5kW solar power system can generate about 20kWh of electricity per day and 4,250kWh of electricity throughout the year (when there is plenty of sunshine).

Generating 4,250kWh of electricity is equivalent to a 5kW solar power system generating about 85% of its peak power output. However, the amount of electricity a solar power system generates depends on the location, equipment performance and solar panel efficiency. A 5kW solar power system generates enough electricity for an average UK household to meet daily needs.

A household relying entirely on a 5kW solar power system can save about £1,000 in electricity bills per year (the price cap in January 2025 was 24.86 pence/kWh). However, most households still rely on the grid for power on cloudy days or at night, so that the savings may be slightly lower.

Actual Savings of a 5kW Solar Power System

A 5kW solar power system can reduce the reliance of UK households on the national grid, especially between March and October. Therefore, most UK households can rely on a 5kW solar power system for 8 months of the year and save more than £600. According to this data, a 5kW solar power system can pay for itself in about 11 years. (Data Source: Green Match)

Solar panels usually have a 25-year product warranty, so they can continue to make money after the break-even point.

SEG Benefits

In addition, since a 5kW solar power system generates more electricity than the energy required by the household, SEG can bring considerable benefits to UK households (grid-connected solar systems). SEG allows UK households to sell excess electricity for 1p to 24p/kWh. In the UK, a 5kW solar power system can generate SEG benefits of up to £840 per year or up to £21,000 in 25 years. (Data Source: Green Match)

Does a 5kW Solar Power System Need to Be Equipped with Batteries?

For a UK household, the decision to install a battery energy storage system for a 5kW solar power system depends on several factors. Here are a few key points to consider:

Self-Use Ratio

Suppose your goal is to maximise the self-use ratio of solar energy (solar batteries allow you to use an average of 80% of the total solar energy.). In that case, a battery energy storage system will be beneficial. Batteries can store excess electricity when the solar panels generate more than the immediate power demand for use at night or on rainy days. Equipping your solar power system with batteries will further reduce your dependence on the grid and increase your energy self-sufficiency rate.

Power Stability

The battery can provide a more stable power supply for users who require higher power stability, such as medical equipment in the home or scenarios that need a continuous power supply. Batteries can be a backup power source when the grid is out, or the solar panels generate insufficient power, ensuring the household power supply is unaffected.

Initial Cost

Equipping a battery energy storage system will increase the initial investment cost. Although battery technology has improved in recent years and the price has dropped, it is still a considerable expense. However, the break-even point of a battery solar power system is about 31.7 years. (Data Source: theecoexperts.co.uk) You need to weigh the investment payback period and long-term benefits of the battery energy storage system to decide whether to equip it with a battery.

Incentives or Subsidies

Users can determine whether the government or electricity supplier provides grid policies and incentives to help them reduce battery installation costs. For example, most British households can benefit from SEG by selling excess electricity.

In summary, whether a 5kW solar power system needs to be equipped with a battery in the UK requires careful consideration of self-generation, power stability requirements, and economic concerns. Before making a decision, it is recommended to consult a professional solar installation company.

Jackery Solar Generators Explained

Considering the higher costs of a 5kW solar power system, ranging from £9,000 - £10,000 and even more, including the batteries, installation, maintenance, etc., we highly recommend the solar generator - a portable solar system - to try solar energy first.

Solar generators have many benefits. For environmentally aware users, they are essential since they produce clean electricity without emitting the same pollutants as traditional gas or diesel generators. Once they are up and running, they have very low operational costs. Fuel doesn't need to be purchased, and because they have fewer moving parts, they typically require less maintenance.    

We recommend Jackery Solar Generators, which combines Jackery Solar Panels with Portable Power Stations to create a portable solar set. Jackery offers portable power solutions ranging from 99W to 12 kWh, capable of powering up to 99% of appliances, including washing machines, refrigerators, microwaves, etc.      

Also, the Jackery Portable Power Stations are compact and easy to carry, so you can put them everywhere in your home or on your outings. Compared to gas or other traditional generators, they are safer to use, and you can even use them while sleeping.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 v2

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 v2 is a combination of Explorer 2000 v2 portable power station and SolarSaga 200W solar panel. It has a 2042Wh capacity and a 2200W power output, enough to power most appliances at home or outdoors during camping, RVing, and off-grid living.

(*The working hours are only for reference; the actual working hours depend on your usage.) 

Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 Portable Power Station:

With its remarkable 2042Wh capacity and 2200W output, the Jackery Explorer Portable Power Station 2000 v2 can power most home appliances. Additionally, it has two AC outlets, one USB-A 18W connector, and two USB-C ports (100W + 30W), enabling you to charge numerous devices simultaneously, including laptops and phones.

At approximately 38.6 lbs or roughly the weight of a suitcase, it is the first 2kWh LiFePO4 power station in the world with cutting-edge EV-grade CTB (Cell to Body) Structure technology⁵. It is the ideal power source for camping, road trips, and off-grid life, and it has a collapsable handle for convenient carrying.

The CTB structure allows for a compact, potent design, increasing space efficiency to 59%. Its 13.2 × 10.4 × 11.5-inch size, similar to a medium printer, makes it easy to fit in your car.

It has demonstrated resilience even in earthquakes up to 9 by passing the demanding IEC60068-3-3 seismic test. You may feel secure knowing it can manage bumps, falls, and challenging circumstances wherever you go because it is drop-resistant and built to withstand the unexpected.

Jackery SolarSaga 200W Solar Panel:

The Jackery SolarSaga 200W Solar Panel can increase solar conversion efficiency by up to 25%. It has a long-lasting ETFE-laminated case and adjustable tilt for optimal sunlight absorption. Ideal for home backup and outdoor excursions, this device is lightweight, foldable, and simple to connect to a power source.

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 v2

The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 v2 integrates the Explorer 1000 v2 portable power station with a SolarSaga 100W or 200W solar panel. Compared to the Solar Generator 2000 v2, this one is lighter and more suitable for small appliances.

(*The working hours are only for reference; the actual working hours depend on your usage.) 

Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station:

With a phenomenal 1500W output—50% more than previous generations—the Explorer 1000 v2 portable power station can efficiently run high-demand necessities like portable air conditioners, kettles, and freezers. It is the perfect partner for all your power demands because it has USB-A/C connections and can simultaneously charge several devices (laptop, phone) with up to 100W dual PD charging.

When your battery gets low, the Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station may be fully charged in less than an hour thanks to the Emergency Charge Mode, which is activated via the app. Furthermore, battery life can be increased by charging from 0% to 100% in just two hours using an AC wall outlet.

With the Jackery 1000 v2, you can be ready for any emergency. During blackouts, charge vital gadgets like your radio, phone, and medical equipment. Thanks to the Jackery 1000 V2's higher capacity and flexible output options, you can easily handle unforeseen circumstances.

Jackery SolarSaga 100W Solar Panel:

Experience improved performance and reduced weight with this cutting-edge solar solution. With its all-black design and cutting-edge IBC technology, our 100W bifacial high-efficiency (up to 25% conversion rate) solar panel generates more power without adding weight. This panel guarantees optimal sunlight absorption and additional energy yield from the rear due to its optimised cell structure and lack of front shading.     

Is a 5kW Solar Power System Worth It?

In the UK, installing a solar power system is gaining increasing attention as a sustainable energy solution. However, is it worth investing in a 5kW solar power system for UK households? Here are some comprehensive considerations from multiple dimensions.

Electricity Demand

According to Ofgem, a UK household's average annual electricity consumption is about 2,700kWh. Although the UK is not as sunny as the Mediterranean or the Middle East, its light conditions are still sufficient to support the effective operation of a solar power system. A 5kW solar power system can generate about 20kWh daily electricity under ideal conditions.

However, most households' electricity consumption is not in line with the average, so make sure that the size of the system is based on current and future electricity consumption, not the average.

Roof Characteristics

When installing a solar power system, you must consider the roof's orientation, tilt angle, and shading.

In the UK, the roof is ideal for facing south and having a tilt angle between 15 and 30 degrees. It must also be free of excessive shading and large enough to accommodate all the solar panel components.

Investment and Return

The initial investment cost of a 5kW solar power system in the UK is about £7,500 to £8,500, which only includes solar panels, inverters, etc. However, various government programs, such as the SEG (Smart Export Guarantee), can subsidise the installation of solar power systems in the UK.

For British households, investing in a 5kW solar power system is worth considering. Of course, a detailed needs analysis and on-site assessment are recommended before deciding to install a system to ensure that its design and installation meet specific needs and conditions.

FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about the 5kW solar power system in the UK:

1. Can a 5kW solar power system power a house in the UK?

Yes, a 5kW solar power system can meet the power needs of a UK home. A 5kW solar power system (ideally generating 4,250kWh per year) will meet most of the power needs of a 3-4 bedroom house for 7-8 months of the year. But you can't quickly go off the grid because the system can't meet the house's power needs in the winter when there is less sunlight.

2. How many solar panels do you usually need for a 5kW solar power system?

For a 5kW solar power system, you need 10-17 solar panels, each with a peak power of 300W-500W. In short, the specific number of solar panels needed depends on each panel's output. The larger the output, the fewer panels are required. 

3. How much does a 5kW solar power system with battery cost in the UK?

According to Green Match, a 5kW solar power system with a battery costs between £16,500 and £20,500.

4. What appliances can be run with a 5kW solar power system?

A 5kW solar power system can power most appliances in an average home, including LED TVs, refrigerators, microwaves, washing machines, etc. However, it cannot run all appliances simultaneously. If you plan to run multiple appliances simultaneously, ensure your solar power system is large enough to generate enough electricity.

Final Thoughts

To sum up, a 5kW solar power system can provide enough energy for the average UK home, which usually has 3 or 4 bedrooms. In this article, we cover everything you need to know about a 5kW solar power system, including the number of solar panels, the amount of electricity it produces, the cost of installation, and whether you should buy a solar battery. In addition to saving electricity, a 5kW solar power system equipped with a battery can also benefit from schemes such as the Solar Panel Grant and the Smart Export Guarantee.