Like other solar panel systems, the 5kW one converts sunlight energy into electricity. This solar system is enough to meet crucial power requirements for shops, homes, or small offices. Not only this, but it can also operate multiple kitchen appliances and homes, up to a certain wattage.
Increases in greenhouse effects, global warming, and carbon footprints are the common terms that come in connection with our environment. So, to promote a sustainable and eco-friendly environment, solar energy has become the need of these days now. Are you thinking of installing solar in your home? You might be wondering ‘How many units does a 5kW solar system produce,’ right? Don’t worry as you will find more valuables by reading this guideline.
Average Units A 5kW Solar System Produce
On average, a 5kW solar panel system will produce up to 20 to 22 units. Guess what? This will make approximately 600 units per month. Adding more to this, these systems are recommended for medium to large-sized families of 5 or more people who utilize a range of appliances, including multiple TVs, 5+ dryer loads a week, a fridge, multiple air conditioners, etc.
How Much 5kw Solar Production Per Day
The energy production by a 5kW solar panel system per day is around 20 – 22kW or 480 – 528KWH or 20000 – 22000 Volts per ampere. The formula to calculate solar power output is,
Solar Power Output = Power Rating ✕ Peak Sun Hours ✕ 0.75
Since the 0.75 and power rating are constants, what makes the difference is the peak sun hours. This keeps changing. In our case, the solar power rating is 5kW. So, if the sun’s peak hours are 5, here is how you can calculate the total solar energy production by this formula.
Daily Solar Power Output = 5kW ✕ 5 hours ✕ 0.75 = 18.75 KWH a day
How Much 5kw Solar Production Per Hour
The amount of energy generated by a 5kW solar system depends on many factors, like weather conditions, location, and the tilt and orientation of the solar panels. However, on average, the 5kW solar will produce 20 – 25kW of electricity per hour. For instance, if we assume the daily production of around 22kWh from a 5kW solar panel system, and also there are up to 5 hours of usable daylight, the expected hourly production of solar energy would be 4.4kWh per 5 hours.
Factors Affecting A 5kW Solar System Output
Not all 5kW solar panel systems produce the same amount of energy. For example, a solar system of similar specifications would produce different energy in two different locations. In contrast, two systems with varied brand components would produce power in the same location.
This is because of some crucial factors that you must be aware of. Let’s discuss a few in detail.
The Efficiency Of The System
The more efficient your solar panel system is, the higher would be the energy generated. However, the average efficiency of solar in the USA is around 15 to 20%. A variety of solar panels are available in the market. So, it is advisable to choose the solar panels of good quality. The overall efficiency should exceed 95%. Besides, the solar must come with a warranty period. Also, when you are calculating the power output, an efficiency factor of up to 0.8 is considered.
Orientation And Tilt Angle Of Solar Panels
The elevation angle and orientation are another important factor that decides how much energy will be produced by the solar system. However, the ideal orientation for installing solar panel systems is facing South, at 180 degrees. In addition to this, the tilt angle must match the latitude of the installation location. This is how you can increase the efficiency of solar panels.
Your Location
The amount of solar energy production depends on the location as well. The USA receives about 4 to 7kWh/day of solar irradiation, which is enough to generate electricity. However, the sunlight availability varies depending on the location and type of year in the country. So, the peak sun hours do matter as mentioned above in the formulas. So, if you live in a location where the peak sun hours are higher, it means there would be more energy production there.
Shading And Obstructions
Shading from trees, nearby structures, or several other obstructions can significantly reduce energy production by solar panels. So, it is crucial to install solar in locations with less shading for more production of solar energy. Even if there is any shading, ensure to make arrangements that would cause minimal shading effect. You can use micro-inverters for that purpose. All you need to do is neutralize the sources of shading. Ensure that solar is installed with fewer hurdles.
Dust And Debris On Your Panels
Above all, the accumulation of bird droppings, debris, dust, or several other pollutants on the solar panels can influence the amount of sunlight your solar absorbs. For this reason, it is equally important to clean the solar panel system & keep them bird-free to get the optimal level of sunlight absorption.
Ready to learn how? How To Get Rid Of Pigeons Under Solar Panels?
Solar Panels Required For 5kw Solar System
The number of solar panels needed for a 5kW solar system depends on two factors – the solar panel power in watts and the type of solar panel. However, there are two main types of solar panels which are monocrystalline and polycrystalline. If you’ve limited space on your roof, there is no better choice than monocrystalline solar systems. Additionally, they are substantially way more powerful with higher efficiency ratings. The average wattage output of these panels is between 310 and 400 watts. So, this is what makes them the reliable choice for air conditioning.
If space isn’t your major concern and you want to save some extra money, polycrystalline solar panels are worthwhile. Unlike their monocrystalline counterparts, polycrystalline solar panel systems are less efficient. The typical wattage output of polycrystalline panels ranges from 250 to 300 watts. So, the more affordable and efficient choice for your household is polycrystalline.
Benefit Of Installing A 5kW Solar System
Apart from ‘how many units does a 5kW solar system produce, ‘you should also be well familiar with different advantages that homeowners can avail of installing a 5kW Solar System.
- It is crucial to remember that costs associated with a 5kW solar system can be recovered in as little as 4 years.
- The solar panel systems are expected to last over 40 years and are guaranteed to do so for at least 25 years as well.
- The value of the house would likely increase if a 5kW solar panel system were added.
- A household can become grid-independent with a 5kW solar panel system, providing enough energy for this.
- Another essential benefit is that you do not have to call anyone to clean the panel as solar panels mostly have automated cleaning options.
What Are The Ideal Components Of A 5kW Solar System?
A 5kW solar system typically includes the following ideal components you must be familiar with.
Solar Panels
A 5 kilowatts solar panel system usually comprises approximately 15 to 20 panels. However, it all depends on the wattage of each solar panel system (e.g. 250W to 300W solar panels).
Cabling And Wiring
Cabling and wiring are other ideal components of 5kW solar panel systems. Cables and electrical wiring are generally needed to connect the inverter, panels, and other components.
Inverter
A 5kW solar system also has an inverter for the conversion of DC electricity produced by panels into AC electricity so that it can be utilized in maintaining the optimal performance of your home.
Mounting System
Several racks and mounts are also present to keep panels secured to the ground or your roof.
Safety Equipment
A 5kW solar panel system contains some safety equipment as well, including disconnects, fuses, and grounding equipment to ensure that solar panels operate safely and securely.
Charge Controller
One of the other components of the 5-kilowatt solar system is a charge controller. The main function of the charge controller is to regulate the current and voltage coming out of the solar system to the batteries. However, this only applies to that if batteries are used in solar systems.
Monitoring System
A monitoring system is available to check the output and performance of the solar panel system.
Net Metering System (If Applicable)
Have you ever heard of the net monitoring system? Briefly, the net monitoring systems enable you to feed an extra amount of electricity produced back into the grid and get accredited for it.
Is The 5kW System Okay For Residential Project?
Yes, a 5kW system is okay for residential projects depending on consumption patterns and your crucial energy needs. However, it is equally important to consider certain other factors, such as roof space. You must ensure to have enough roof space for the best solar installation experience. Adding more to this, it is also best to consider the amount of sunlight your place receives throughout the year. Check for any rebates, incentives, or local regulations as well.
How To Measure 5kW Solar System Power Production?
You can calculate power production by a 5kW solar system by using the following formula:
Daily Production = System Capacity ✕ Peak Sun Hours ✕ Efficiency Factor
For instance, if your solar panel system has an efficiency factor of 0.8 and 5 sun peak hours, the daily energy production would be 0.8 ✕ 5,000 watts ✕ 5 = 20kWh. Adding more to this, if you want to calculate the monthly output, you need to multiply the daily energy production by 30.
Tips To Increase Electricity Output From 5kW Solar Panels
Are you pondering ‘How many units does a 5kW solar system produce?’ Hopefully, you’ve got your answer. However, you can significantly increase the performance of your solar in many ways. Check some tips for increasing electricity output from a 5kW solar panel in the following.
Buy Solar Panels With High CPV Cells
If you want to produce more energy, buy solar panels with high CPV Concentrated Photovoltaic cells. These cells are involved in focusing sunlight onto a higher-efficiency solar cell. The best traditional solar panel systems peak at 22% efficiency while CPV panel cells can reach over 46% efficiency. Great efficiency comes with a costly tag, right? This means CPV cells are 4 times more expensive than traditional PV cells. There are not many models of highly concentrated photovoltaic cells available. But, it’s truly worth considering buying these cells.
Invest In More Efficient Solar Panels Models
Solar panels have become popular in the last five days. The average efficiency of solar panel systems has increased from over 15% to around 20%. You might be aware that all solar cells are not manufactured equally and the structure and material of the model determine its efficiency. So, you must ensure to invest in solar panel models that are efficient to the next level.
Avoid Solar Panel Installation In Shaded Areas
Solar panels produce electricity from sunlight. So, it’s pretty obvious that shading will harm the energy output. Solar cells are installed in series. If any of the PV cells is shaded, it can significantly impact the overall functionality of the other as well. When it comes to shading solar panels, tall buildings, and trees are the prime offenders. Make sure to spend your quality time analyzing where to install solar panels, also ensuring that shading will not be the major issue.
Clean Your Solar Panel System
Solar systems don’t have any moving parts, so they need very little maintenance. However, it would be great to clean your PV cells occasionally as dirt and dust can accumulate on the surface, negatively impacting the efficiency. Dirt and dust may only cause a 5% decrease in output. But, if solar panels are installed in a location where there is no excessive rainfall, the declining output can exceed 20%. Therefore, it is a good idea to clean your solar once a year.
Seek Professional Assistance
If solar panel systems are not installed properly, they will not get the optimal amount of sunlight and ultimately produce less electricity. Angle and orientation are two major factors to consider when installing solar on the rooftop of your place. It is recommended to seek professional assistance regarding solar installation. The experts of Solar Master Pro are experienced in installing solar in an appropriate manner. Hence, it’s worth enlisting the help of solar installers.
In A Crux
Installing a 5 kW Solar System sounds like a fair trade for all homeowners worldwide. It is because you are settled at lesser prices once you install a solar system on the roof of your house and become energy-independent. This suggests that you will not be impacted by the erratic and fluctuating cost of electricity. So, with the installation of solar panel systems, you can produce your own electricity instead of relying on any external source. This independent energy production can lead to turning your house into a mini-power plant that generates energy to lower your electricity costs and also save you money. Have you set your mind to switch to solar?
Contact us now if you want to install solar and achieve a higher level of energy independence.
Solar Master Pro will respond to any of your inquiries about solar energy and guide you step-by-step in the set-up of the solar system. Call us today to make an appointment for a home consultation with one of our solar panel specialists or stop by our office for further information.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much roof space is needed for a 5kW solar system?
Generally speaking, a 5-kilowatt solar panel system will demand a roof space of around 25 to 35m². However, this depends on the wattage of the solar panels and how they are tilted. For instance, a 300-watt solar system is around 1.6m ✕ 1.6m. This encompasses if you need 17 of them for a 5-kilowatt solar panel, a minimum of over 27.2m² roof space would be required.
What is the average payback period for a 5kW system?
The average payback period for a 5-kilowatt solar panel system is anywhere between 2.5 and 5 years. However, it all depends on the crucial circumstances. Additionally, it is equally important to keep one thing in mind the less power exported back to the grid the lesser amount of time it would take to pay off your solar panel system.
How much cost of the 5kW system?
The average cost of a in the United States is almost $15,000 before applying any federal tax credits and several other incentives. However, the pricing may vary by location, with Florida costing from over $12,650 to $12,900, and California costing from $13,650 to $13,900. When the federal tax credit is applied, the overall cost of installing a 5-kilowatt solar system in your home or workplace ranges from around $8,800 to up to $11,840.
