Complete Guide to 10kW Solar System

Are you worried about the cost of your energy bills? You're not alone, as around 6.5 million UK households are in energy poverty. The significant rise in energy costs in recent years has led many homeowners of residential and commercial premises to invest in solar energy.  

As a result, more and more people in the UK are looking into 10kW solar systems. A 10kW solar system in the UK can generate electricity for a large home or a small business. Investing in a 10kW solar battery system is not just a way to reduce your energy bills in the short term; it is a real long-term investment.    

This guide will show you everything about the 10kw solar system in the UK, including its importance, costs, installation, and more. If installing a solar system is more complex, you can consider a portable solar system - Jackery Solar Generator to charge your appliances with solar energy.

What Is A 10kW Solar System?

You can use solar energy to power your home because it is a plentiful and never-ending energy source. Solar screens are an essential part of using renewable energy.

Like any other solar system, a 10kW solar system absorbs the sun's energy through panels and converts it into electricity. Overall, 10kW solar systems in the UK are more efficient and have more significant power potential, making them ideal for large homes, small businesses, offices, and shops.

Here are some reasons why you should choose a 10kW solar system in the UK:  

Rising Electricity Costs: The UK's electricity cost has been rising continuously. The continued rise in electricity costs in recent years should push you to consider installing a 10kW solar system in the UK.

The following chart shows the rise in electricity costs in the UK in recent years:

(Data Source: Ofgem)

Save on Your Electric Bills: You can pay less to the utility company for electricity by using the electricity generated directly by a 10kW solar system. (You can even go directly off the grid using a 10kW solar system.)

0% VAT on Energy-efficient Products: To encourage people to adopt renewable and low-carbon systems, the UK government has introduced VAT relief. Until March 2027, you will not have to pay VAT on supplying and installing any domestic solar PV system in the UK.

A typical household installing solar panels on their roof will save more than £915 in installation costs. This cost relief is automatic when you have an MCS-certified installer for your installation.

How Much Power Does A 10kW Solar System Produce? 

To better understand how much electricity a 10kW solar system can generate, first understand how a 10kW solar system works.

How Does A 10kW Solar System Work?

How does solar power work? The simple explanation is that solar panels transform solar energy into electricity. Here is a step-by-step overview of how a 10kW solar system generates electricity:

Step 1: When sunlight hits a solar panel, an electric charge is generated through the photovoltaic or PV effect.

Step 2: The solar panel feeds the charge into an inverter, transforming direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC).

Step 3: The AC passes through the distribution board and is transmitted to the necessary devices.

Step 4: Excess electricity generated by the solar system can be stored with the help of battery storage.

Electricity Generated by A 10kW Solar System

How Much Does a 10kW Solar System Produce? It is an interesting question, and the amount of electricity generated by a solar system will vary slightly depending on the environment.

At peak conditions, a 10kW solar system will generate 10,000 kWh of electricity annually. On average, a 10kW solar system produces around 8,000 kWh to 12,000 kWh of electricity annually. You can expect it to provide 30 to 45 kWh of electricity daily.

The power generated by a 10kW solar system may vary depending on factors such as the number of hours of sunshine the solar panels receive, the location in the UK, the orientation and inclination of the roof, the quality of the solar system, and the performance of the inverter.

By utilising financial incentives such as tax credits, which typically reduce expenses by a minimum of 30%, and paying installation fees ranging from £15,000 to £30,000, most households can expect a total payback period of less than ten years. If you desire to experiment with solar energy, the first option may be the Jackery Solar Generator.

What Can A 10kW Solar System Run  

A 10-kilowatt solar power system is among the most extensive residential solar power systems available for installation in household settings. To accommodate all the solar panels, a spacious roof will be necessary, along with a correspondingly higher electricity bill on which to save.

A 10kW solar power system generates an average of 40kWh of electricity daily, sufficient to power the lighting, televisions, laptops, refrigerators, washers, central air conditioning, and pool pumps of a huge 5+ bedroom home.

Below is a detailed analysis of the power consumption of each specific household appliance, including its average daily load in hours and the total amount of watts used. All the following power requirements can be met with a 10kW solar system.

Types of 10kW Solar Systems

You have decided to invest in a solar system for your property in the UK, but is a grid-connected 10kW solar system or an off-grid 10kW solar system better in the UK?

Please choose the solar system that suits you best based on your living conditions and actual needs. Here are the facts about both grid-connected and off-grid solar systems:

Grid-Connected 10kW Solar System  

A grid-connected solar system is connected to the national grid through an inverter, and it does not require any battery storage system to provide backup power. During the day, the solar panels will use the sunlight they capture to power the home. When the solar panels cannot capture the sunlight at night, you will rely on the grid to power the house as before.

A grid-connected solar system can send the excess electricity generated back to the grid, which can be paid through the UK feed-in tariff. It is the best option for people who are already connected to the national grid but still want to reduce their electricity bills.

Off-Grid 10kW Solar System  

An off-grid solar system is not connected to the national grid and is independent of the grid. An off-grid solar system can work effectively in the most remote areas, which makes it suitable for those who cannot connect to the grid and want to install a solar system. No matter where you live, an off-grid solar system can meet all your electricity supply needs.

With an off-grid solar system, you can reduce your electricity bills and break free from your reliance on the grid. However, 10kW off-grid solar system prices in the UK are generally higher than grid-connected systems. 

Advantages and disadvantages of grid-connected and off-grid solar systems

How Much Does A 10kW Solar System Cost in The UK?

The average solar system cost has risen in recent years as inflation has affected the cost of materials and labour. Despite the price increase, 60% more homeowners in the UK installed solar panels in 2023 than in 2017.

In 2024, the average cost of a 10kW solar system in the UK was between £10,000 and £11,000. This price includes the 10kW solar panel equipment supply, installation and connection to the power supply, and VAT (zero-rated).

If you want to store some of the electricity you generate, you must consider the price of a solar cell. You can choose from saltwater, flow, lithium-ion, lead-acid, nickel-cadmium (NiCd), and nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, each with advantages and disadvantages. Of course, the number of batteries you choose will also affect the final price.

Factors that affect the cost of a solar system in the UK:

• The size of the solar system.
• The specific type of solar panel.
• The type and number of solar cells.
• The cost of the solar inverter.
• The size, area and shape of the roof.
• The location of the property where the solar system is installed.
• Any government subsidies or tax breaks for solar systems.

So, you don't want to cost too much to experience solar energy. In that case, you may consider using a solar generator, like Jackery Solar Generator, first to use renewable energy with ease. You can even use it on cloudy days or at night since it can recharge in multiple ways, such as carports, wall adapters, and other generators.

Jackery Solar Generators: Portable Solar Systems

Implementing a solar energy system in your residence provides numerous advantages. Jackery is a renowned manufacturer in the solar industry, focusing on producing top-notch solar equipment like solar generators, solar panels, and portable power stations.

Jackery Solar Generators offer a reliable and uninterrupted power supply for your household appliances using lithium-ion batteries.  

In conjunction with Jackery Solar Panels, a Portable Power Station facilitates the efficient conversion and storage of more sunlight for future use. By having numerous output ports, you can charge multiple appliances at the same time.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus is a cutting-edge portable 10kW solar power solution with exceptional performance. Thanks to its substantial capacity and formidable power output, this device can sustain the operation of standard domestic appliances for several weeks and fulfil all the power needs associated with outdoor adventure or professional activity.

The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus allows adding extra battery packs, which boosts the capacity from 2 kWh to a remarkable 12 kWh, thus enhancing the solar charging capabilities significantly. With the ability to be expanded to 3000W, this solar product offers a 30% higher rated power than other 2 kWh solar goods available in the market. Practically all essential household equipment is energised.

The Explorer 2000 Plus is an industry's pioneering add-on battery pack that can be recharged using solar panels. This feature enhances versatility, improves charging efficiency, and reduces charging time. The LiFePO4 battery, with its sophisticated technology, guarantees a lifespan of 10 years, even with daily usage limited to once per day.

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 v2

The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 v2 is an upgraded version which is smaller, lighter, and even more robust. It is the combination of Explorer 1000 v2 with SolarSaga 100W solar panel. 

The Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station has an impressive 1500W power output, over 50% more than earlier models, allowing for easy operation of high-demand appliances such as kettles, refrigerators and portable air conditioners.

Equipped with USB-A/C connections and capacity for up to 100W dual PD charging, this gadget can simultaneously charge many devices, making it the ideal companion for all your power requirements.

The Emergency Charge Mode, activated via the application, enables the Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station to achieve complete charging in under one hour, providing essential power backup during battery depletion. Furthermore, the ability to charge from 0% to 100% within a two-hour timeframe utilising an AC wall outlet prolongs the battery's lifespan.

What to Consider When Choosing A 10kW Solar System?

More and more people in the UK are investing in solar energy systems. However, there are many things you need to consider before you start installing a solar energy system. To help you decide if a solar energy system is right for you, your home or your business, here is a list of factors to consider before installing a solar energy system.

A. Roof Condition

Before installing a solar energy system, check the roof's condition, shape, and load-bearing capacity below.

Does the roof need repairs? If you need to replace the roof or part of the roof is damaged, take care of the roof repairs before installing it.

What shape is the roof? Roofs come in different shapes and sizes. Before installing a solar energy system, ensure enough space on the roof. If there is enough space, you will likely be able to install the ideal-sized solar energy system and will get the expected return on investment.

How much weight can the roof bear? If the weight of these solar panels exceeds the roof's ability to bear, the roof may collapse. Always have a professional assess the roof before installation to determine if additional support is required to complete the installation.

B. Connecting to the Grid

If you are installing a grid-tied solar system, you must consider how you will connect your solar system to the grid. Here are some things to keep in mind when connecting to your local utility company:

• Are there any fees?
• How long will it take to get connected?
• How will you get paid for the electricity you sell to the grid?
• When will you get paid for the electricity you sell back to the grid?

C. Brand & Quality

Although solar system prices have dropped significantly over the past decade, investing in the cheapest solar system model or brand can leave you in a difficult position.

When solar panels are less durable, it reduces the value of your investment and potential future savings. These poor-quality panels can sometimes be dangerous, leading to safety hazards. So, in the long run, a quality solar system will last longer and give you a higher return.

D. Price

Suppose you want to install a solar system, shop, and get quotes from different vendors. Then, research the vendors willing to work with you; you can usually compare quotes, customer reviews, and other information.

E. Warranty & Maintenance

Warranty is essential to protecting the other equipment associated with your solar system. If anything goes wrong with the equipment related to your solar system, the warranty can help you hold the manufacturer responsible without any additional costs.

It is best to learn about the corresponding maintenance procedures from the solar system manufacturer before the installation begins. If you fail to meet the corresponding maintenance requirements, the life and condition of the solar system will be significantly affected.

10kW Solar System FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about the 10kW solar system in the UK.

1. Are there any rules to follow for installing a 10kW solar system in the UK?

You can install a solar system in the UK, but there are some rules to follow:

• You need permission and notify the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) before installing a 10kW solar system.
• Solar panels should not be located outside the roof of the house. Specifically, the distance between the solar panels and the roof's edge should not exceed 20 mm.
• When solar panels are no longer used, they should be removed.
• Solar systems installed on the ground must not exceed 4 meters in height, and the area must not exceed 9 square meters. 

2. Can a 10kW solar system power an entire home?

Whether a 10kW solar system suits your home depends on your electricity consumption. However, a 10kW solar system is suitable for the power needs of an average home or small business.

3. Is installing a 10kW solar system in the UK worthit?

Overall, it is worth installing a 10kW solar system in the UK. Electricity prices will rise over time due to inflation or other factors. However, an excellent solar system can last up to 25 to 30 years or even longer. During that time, a 10kW solar system can make your electricity independent and help you save some money.

4. How long does a solar system last?

The expected lifespan of a solar system is 25 to 30 years. Typically, when you purchase a solar system, it comes with a warranty that is around 25 years as a standard warranty.   

Final Thoughts

In recent years, the price of electricity bills for households in the UK has increased. The average electricity bill in the UK has doubled over the past decade. Many people in the UK are installing a 10kW solar system to reduce expenses. Installing a solar energy system is more like an investment.

In the long run, it will reduce your annual electricity bills. In addition, solar energy systems use the sun's energy to generate electricity, which does not produce any emissions. Therefore, using a solar energy system is not harmful to the environment.