5kW vs 10kW Solar System Overview
What does kilowatt (kW) capacity mean?
A kW measures the power rate at which any appliance uses electricity. For example, light bulbs take 7-20 kW, laptops use 50-120 kW of electricity, and LEDs take 70-200 kW of electricity to run. However, many people confuse kW and kWh, as they look similar, so they think they are similar. But they are not similar. A kWh measures the electrical energy of an appliance used in kilowatt-hours. For example, if you run a 1000-watt (1 kW) electrical device for 1 hour, it means it consumes 1 kWh of energy. But if you run a 2000-watt (1 kW) electrical device, then it consumes 1 kWh of energy in 30 minutes.
10kW vs 5kW Solar System: Daily electricity production
A 10kW solar system is designed for larger homes or businesses with high energy consumption. However, a 5KW solar system is ideal for small to medium households with moderate energy needs. So, both solar systems come with different daily electricity production. A 5KW solar system usually generates 15-25 kWh units daily to run home appliance loads like ACs, refrigerators, lights, fans, etc. On the other hand, a 10KW solar system can easily produce 40-45 kWh units daily to power larger homes and commercial spaces.
10kW vs 5kW Solar System: Monthly unit generation
A 10kW solar system usually generates approximately double the energy as compared to a 5kW system. The 5kW solar system units per month are approximately 700 to 750 kWh. Conversely, a 10kW solar setup produces 1400-1600 units every month. Remember, these unit ranges may vary depending on weather conditions, cleaning schedules, and system type.
Difference Between 5kW and 10kW Solar System
Load requirement and peak load
A 10kW solar system provides higher power output, meaning it can manage peak load, allowing multiple appliances to run simultaneously. However, a 5 KW system cannot manage heavy appliances, as it may overload the inverter. To choose the right system, you need to calculate your home appliances’ load requirement. The following are the easy steps to calculate the load requirement of your home.
- List every electrical item, mentioning power ratings (kW)
- For power ratings, you can check stickers on the back or bottom of the appliances, which mention watts. For example, LEDs take 200 kW.
- Then determine how many hours each device runs daily. For example, 4 hours of LED run daily.
- Then multiply this energy consumption by the watts of the device. 200 kW × 4 hours = 800 Wh.
- Calculate all appliances’ daily consumption (Wh).
- Sum the daily consumption (Wh) of all appliances.
- Lastly, convert (Wh) into (kWh) by dividing the total sum of daily consumption (Wh) by 1000 to get the total daily kilowatt-hour (kWh) generation.
10kW vs 5kW Solar System: Inverter capacity required
If you choose a 5KW solar system, then you need a 4-5kW inverter for optimal efficiency. It helps you to balance energy efficiency while preventing overload and system failure. However, a 10 KW solar system requires a 7-8kW inverter, which supports higher surge loads, multiple large appliances, and longer operating hours. Overall, getting the right capacity of an inverter means you can save 70% of energy production every year.
5kW Solar System for Home
Electricity consumption pattern
Your energy consumption pattern is the most important factor in deciding the size of the right solar system. In Pakistan, small to medium homes, or 200-unit bill homes, usually prefer a 5KW solar system due to their average electricity usage. Also, it can produce maximum energy for 4 to 6 hours during peak sunlight.
System type options
For a 5kW solar system, you can choose one of your preferred system types, which include on-grid, off-grid, and hybrid systems. On-grid solar systems with net metering support maximize your energy savings by exporting extra units back to the main grid. On the other hand, off-grid systems are reliable for remote areas with no grid connection. Off-grid systems include batteries and provide backup during outages. However, hybrid solar systems support both on-grid and net metering to ensure both energy independence and long-term savings.
10kW Solar System for Home
Electricity consumption pattern
For a 10kW solar system, your ideal energy consumption pattern would be 1000-1200 kWh monthly. Also, a 500-unit bill home will prefer a 10KW system to secure optimal performance for years. Moreover, this system can provide active power for 10-12 hours of sunlight.
System type options
For a 10kW system, it’s recommended to choose between on-grid and hybrid systems with lithium batteries. Because 10 KW is designed for larger and standard homes, off-grid requires a higher upfront battery cost, significant maintenance, and potential risk of power shortage during 3 to 4 hours of poor weather. But on-grid and hybrid systems do not require a higher initial cost and ensure a faster return on investment (ROI). Also, hybrid systems with lithium batteries are recommended, as they offer superior efficiency, faster charging, and a longer lifespan compared to traditional batteries.
5kW Solar System Price in Pakistan
A 5kW solar system’s total cost is PKR 600,000 to PKR 850,000. The prices may vary depending on system type, inverter, whether batteries are included or not, and solar panels. For a 5kW solar system, you need 8-10 high-efficiency solar panels, which cost around PKR 300,000 to PKR 500,000. Also, a 4-5 kW inverter is available in the range between PKR 50,000 and PKR 70,000. The following ranges mention different system sizes and costs.
- On-grid solar system: PKR 600,000 to PKR 800,000
- Off-grid solar system: PKR 600,000 to PKR 700,000
- Hybrid solar system: PKR 750,000 to PKR 850,000 (hybrid system price may increase due to battery quality and technology)
Moreover, from the system, you can get 70% of your electricity bill savings annually through net metering in Pakistan. With hybrid systems, you’re no longer dependent on the grid. It’s an eco-friendly system to deliver renewable energy, which requires minimal maintenance, usually only occasional cleaning. The payback period of 5kW is usually 3-4 years, depending on location, electricity rates, and net metering. Overall, a 5kW solar system is a budget-friendly choice for small- to medium-sized homes to save themselves from the electricity tariff in Pakistan.
10kW Solar System Price in Pakistan
The 10kW solar system’s total cost falls between PKR 1,200,000 and PKR 2,000,000. The total cost may vary based on solar system type and component prices, such as inverters, solar panels, batteries, and mounting structures. For a 10kW system, you need 16 to 18 solar panels, which cost approximately PKR 380,000 and PKR 550,000. However, the inverter initially required PKR 50,000 and PKR 100,000. The following ranges mention different system sizes and costs.
- On-grid solar system: PKR 950,000 to PKR 1,300,000
- Off-grid solar system: PKR 1,300,000 to PKR 1,800,000
- Hybrid solar system: PKR 1,500,000 to PKR 200,000 (hybrid system price may increase due to battery quality and technology)
The payback period of 10kW is usually 5-6 years with net metering benefits and batteries. Means after 5-6 years, you can enjoy free electricity for up to 20 years. You can save 70-90% on electricity bills with this renewable energy setup. Also, hybrid and off-grid systems keep your home powered even during load shedding in Pakistan. Beyond occasional cleaning, annual system inspection is important to keep the system running smoothly while maintaining optimal performance.
10kW vs 5kW Solar System: Which System Size Is Better For You?
5kW vs 10kW solar system cost comparison
Initial investment plays a very significant part in determining the size of the solar system you want to install. The initial cost of a 5kW solar system is lower than that of a 10KW solar system. However, the initial cost of a 10KW solar system can result in greater long-term savings as compared to a 5kW solar system. Moreover, a greater system means potential surplus energy fed back into the grid, which significantly increases credits on your monthly bills. So, you need to choose a system not only to fulfill your energy needs but also within your budget.
Energy Consumption
Before selecting the best system size, you need to consider your energy consumption patterns. A 5kW solar system is usually considered the best solar system for a 300-unit bill, as it shows average electricity usage. However, a 10kW solar system is the best solar system for a 600-unit bill, highlighting higher energy demands for larger homes or families. So, careful consideration is necessary to ensure current and future energy needs align perfectly with your home’s energy consumption patterns.
Roof Space
Roof space is also an important factor to consider before choosing the right size of solar system. A 5kW solar system requires less space for solar panels, making more sense for homes with limited roof areas. In contrast, a 10kW solar system in Pakistan requires more solar panels than a 5kW system to deliver higher energy production effectively.
Payback Period
Considering the payback period is important when comparing the 10kW vs. 5kW solar system. Payback period refers to how many years the solar system takes to recover the initial investment. A 5kW solar system has a shorter payback period of 3-4 years because of the lower investment. However, a 10kW solar system has a 5-6 year payback period due to higher initial cost. But with net metering, you can improve the cash recovery of a 10kW solar system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is a 5kW solar system enough for a house?
Yes, a 5kW solar system is ideal for a small- to medium-sized house with average electricity usage. You can easily run fans, lights, refrigerators, and air conditioners every day. Due to lower upfront costs, it is also considered one of the most cost-effective choices to switch to renewable energy.
Q2: How many units does a 10kW solar system produce?
Various factors may influence the unit production of any size of solar system, including a 10kW system. However, on average, a 10kW solar system produces 40 to 45 units on a daily basis. As a result, a 10kW solar system unit per month is approximately 1200-1500 kWh.
Q3: How many ACs can run on 5kW solar?
A 5kW solar system is specifically designed for moderate energy needs, so it can only support 1-2 air conditioners with the same ton of capacity. However, you may run 3 inverter ACs, as they are more energy efficient than non-inverter ACs.
Q4: How many ACs can run on 10kW solar?
A 10kW solar system’s inverter can handle higher consumption loads, so it can support 4-5 air conditioners, each with 1.5 ton capacity. Also, you can increase the number of air conditioners, but only after switching off other appliances to prevent inverter overload.
Q5: How much roof space for 5kW solar?
Typically, 25-30 square meters of shadow-free space are required for a 5kW solar system. As a 5kW system only requires 8-10 panels, it doesn’t require much space. For rooftop installations, careful panel alignment and tilt are crucial to maximize energy generation.
Q6: How much roof space for 10kW solar?
A 10kW solar setup requires 40-70 square meters of space. The exact space depends on panel wattage and efficiency, as higher wattage requires fewer panels, which decreases space requirements. However, a 10kW system usually requires 15-25 panels for optimal efficiency.
Q7: Should I install 5kW or 10kW solar?
Before selecting a small vs. large solar system, you should consider your energy usage pattern, budget, and roof space. For small to medium-sized homes, a 5kW solar system is recommended, which can handle average energy usage. However, for larger homes and families, a 10kW system makes more sense due to higher energy demands.
Conclusion
Overall, choosing the right solar system secures your future energy needs, long-term savings, and better ROI. The 5kW vs. 10kW solar system comparison highlights different unit production, initial cost, and ROI that support different energy consumption patterns. A larger 10 KW system can handle increased electricity consumption without requiring costly upgrades later. Conversely, with a lower energy consumption pattern, a 5kW provides better efficiency without over-investing. All in all, in a comparison of a 10KW vs 5 kW solar system, the smartest choice balances cost, savings, and daily energy needs.
Ready to switch to the smartest solar energy? Let Beyond Green Solar help you choose the right system size that aligns with your energy needs. Contact us now to get a free consultation from our expert installers.
