A 5kW solar system is a popular solar setup that is capable of generating 5000 watts of electricity, which is typically enough to power various household appliances. A rooftop 5kW solar system requires around 25 - 35 square meters of roof space for installation. With the help of a 5kW solar power system, you can reduce your high electricity bills and even prepare for emergencies such as power outages.
Aside from rooftop solar systems, there are many large-capacity solar-powered generators designed with portability in mind. For example, Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus can charge almost all household appliances with its large battery capacity. Whether you want to charge a portable heater to keep the space warm in winter or a refrigerator to ensure the food remains fresh in power outages, this 5kW solar system has got you covered.
What is a 5kW Solar System?
A 5kW solar system is self-sustainable and can meet the power requirements of homes, small offices, and shops. It offers more output than a 4kW solar system and can charge most household and kitchen appliances, such as coffee makers, kettles, lights, TVs, heaters, ACs, and much more.
What Does a 5kW Solar System Include
A 5kW solar system comprises essential components that work together to capture, convert, and store solar energy for powering the appliances. Here's a detailed breakdown:
Solar Panels: The PV panels absorb the sun's rays and convert them into DC electricity.
Solar Inverter: An inverter converts DC generated by the solar panels to AC, which can be used to charge household appliances.
Mounting Structure: A 5kW solar system needs a mounting structure to secure it on the rooftop or ground.
Wiring and Electrical Components: You will need cables to connect the solar panels to the DC to AC inverter and other necessary components, such as fuses and circuit breakers.
Battery Backup (Optional): While it's not mandatory, a battery backup can help you store the excess electricity so you can use it when the sun isn't shining.
Jackery 5kW Solar System
The Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus has a battery capacity of 5040Wh and is capable of charging almost all household appliances. The bundle includes a battery backup (Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus Portable Power Station) and solar panels (Jackery SolarSaga 500X Solar Panels). Let's explain them briefly:
Solar Panels: The Jackery SolarSaga 500X Solar Panels are 25% efficient and can be unfolded and placed on the ground for maximum sunlight absorption and DC electricity generation.
Battery Backup: The Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus Portable Power Station features a built-in pure sine wave inverter that converts DC to AC electricity and charges appliances whenever you want.
How Many Panels Are Needed for a 5kW Solar System
For a 5kW solar system, you will generally need solar panels that can collectively produce 5000 watts of electricity. For instance, if you have solar panels with an output of 200W, you will probably need around 25 - 30 such panels to build a 5kW solar system. Let's explain the concept below:
How Many Panels in a 5kW Solar System
A 5kW solar system typically needs 15 - 20 solar panels, though the exact number will depend on their output and efficiency. For example, 13-14 solar panels with an output of 400W built with monocrystalline silicon solar cells are enough to build a 5kW solar system.
How Many Batteries for a 5kW Solar System
The number of batteries needed for a 5kW solar system depends on various factors, such as their capacity, running time, and energy storage requirements.
For example, if your 5kW solar system operates from dawn to dusk and requires 200Ah of storage capacity, then you would need two 200Ah batteries to build a 5kW lithium-ion battery system, as each battery provides 200Ah of storage, totaling the necessary 400Ah.
5kW Solar System Cost
On average, the 5kW solar system costs $13,000 - $14,000 (PV only) before the incentives. However, the actual price might vary depending on the location and installation specifics. Let's learn how much a 5kW solar system costs briefly:
How Much Does a 5kW Solar System Cost
Based on the data from the US Solar Photovoltaic System and Energy Storage Cost Benchmark Report by NREL (Q1 2023), the cost of a 5kW solar system (PV only) is around $13,400. The 5kW solar system price is calculated after excluding the 30% tax rebate offered by the federal government.
5kW Solar System With Battery Backup Price
The price of a 5kW solar system with battery backup in the US is slightly high. Based on the data from the US Solar Photovoltaic System and Energy Storage Cost Benchmark Report by NREL (Q1 2023), the cost of a 5kW PV plus storage system is around $23,500 with tax rebates.
You will also need to pay for the installation costs, though the amount will vary depending on the location. For example, in California, the installation cost for a 5kW solar system is around $13,650- $13,900. However, in Florida, the amount is reduced to $12,650 - $12,900 because of the additional state or local incentives that lower the price.
However, the Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus is much more affordable compared to the rooftop 5kW solar system. It includes solar panels to generate electricity and a battery backup that can store the electricity for later use when there is no sunshine.
How Much Does Jackery 5kW Solar System Cost
Jackery offers a portable 5kW off-grid solar system with different pricing options depending on the packages. Let's explain each of the bundles briefly:
Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus + 2*SolarSaga 500X Solar Panels = $4999The bundle includes two Jackery SolarSaga 500X Solar Panels that convert sunlight into electricity. The Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus Portable Power Station stores the electricity generated and helps you power almost all household appliances. You can even carry the portable power station and the solar panels to outdoor locations to enjoy adventures.
Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus + 2*SolarSaga 500X Solar Panels + Smart Transfer Switch = $5999The bundle is suited for people who want the 5kW solar system for power outages and blackouts. The Smart Transfer Switch helps you connect the solar system to the home's electricity system for instant switchover from grid electricity to battery backup in the event of power outages, ensuring essential appliances such as refrigerators remain powered without interruptions.
Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus (10kWh) + 2*SolarSaga 500X Solar Panels + Smart Transfer Switch = $8499.99
If you are looking for a higher-capacity power solution that can be expanded according to your power needs, this bundle can be your go-to choice. The bundle includes the Jackery Battery Pack 5000 Plus, which can be connected to the Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus to increase the capacity from 5kWh to 10kWh. You will also get the Smart Transfer Switch to connect the solar system to the electricity panel.
Solar Tax Rebate
The US federal government offers a 30% tax rebate for residential solar installations through the Residential Clean Energy Credit. The Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus qualifies for a tax rebate of up to $1049.7 to reduce the overall upfront cost.
Some other Jackery products that are eligible for tax rebates include Solar Generator 3000 Pro, Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (4kWh), and Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (6kWh).
If you want to learn more about the tax rebate offered on different power stations and solar generators and see if you qualify for the rebate, check out the Jackery Residential Clean Energy Credit page.
How Much Power Does a 5kW Solar System Produce
Under optimal conditions, a 5kW solar system produces 5000 watts of electricity per hour. However, the actual energy production will vary depending on several factors, such as location, panel efficiency, orientation, and sunlight availability.
Let's calculate how much power a 5kw solar system produces per day, month, and year using some simple formulas:
Daily Power Output
If we assume the system size to be 5kW with peak sun hours of around 5 and an efficiency rate of 80%, the daily kWh output will be:
Daily Energy Output (kWh) = System Size * Peak Sun Hours * Efficiency Rate
Daily kWh = 5kW * 5H * 80% = 20kWh per day
In winter, shorter days and fewer peak sun hours can reduce the power output. For instance, if the area receives 3 hours of sunlight in winter, the daily kWh output will be 5kW * 3H * 80% = 12kWh per day.
Monthly Power Output
If you want to find the monthly output, multiply the daily kWh output by 30.
Monthly kWh = 20kWh * 30 = 600kWh per month
In winter, the monthly kWh output will be 12kWh * 30 = 360kWh per month.
Annual Power Output
In order to estimate the total annual output, multiply the daily kWh output by 365.
Annual kWh = 20kWh * 365 = 7,300kWh per year
In winter, the annual kWh output will be 12kWh * 365 = 4,380kWh per year.
Remember, these calculations are estimates based on ideal conditions. Actual performance may vary based on real-world factors such as peak sunlight hours, solar angle, location, etc.
Based on the calculations from PV Watts, here is the estimated solar energy production of a 5kW solar panel system in different cities across the country:
City |
Average Daily kWh |
Average Monthly kWh |
Average Annual kWh |
Austin, TX |
20.2 kWh |
616 kWh |
7,391 kWh |
Boston, MA |
18.0 kWh |
546 kWh |
6,553 kWh |
Cleveland, OH |
17.4 kWh |
530 kWh |
6,361 kWh |
Denver, CO |
21.9 kWh |
666 kWh |
7,991 kWh |
Hartford, CT |
17.3 kWh |
526 kWh |
6,308 kWh |
Las Vegas, NV |
24.1 kWh |
733 kWh |
8,796 kWh |
Los Angeles, CA |
23.1 kWh |
702 kWh |
8,423 kWh |
Miami, FL |
21.3 kWh |
647 kWh |
7,763 kWh |
New York City, NY |
17.7 kWh |
538 kWh |
6,453 kWh |
Philadelphia, PA |
18.6 kWh |
566 kWh |
6,788 kWh |
Phoenix, AZ |
24.2 kWh |
735 kWh |
8,824 kWh |
Seattle, WA |
15.0 kWh |
456 kWh |
5,467 kWh |
US Average |
19.9 kWh |
605 kWh |
7,260 kWh |
What a 5kW Solar System Run
A 5kW solar system can charge most household appliances, such as fridges, washing machines, lights, fans, TVs, ACs, heaters, etc. It is generally suitable for medium to large families of 4 or more people.
Will a 5kW Solar System Run a House?
Yes, a 5kW solar system can generally run an average-sized household with common appliances such as refrigerators, televisions, lights, fans, etc. It can even run high-power-consuming appliances such as air conditioners, heaters, geysers, etc., ensuring you can switch to solar energy and reduce your high monthly electricity bills.
How Many AC Can 5kW Run?
A 5kW solar system can run 1-2 air conditioners in a medium-sized house, depending on the wattage consumption of each AC and how long you want each AC to run. For example, if one AC consumes around 1500 - 2000W of electricity, you can safely run 2 ACs with the 5kW system.
5kW Off-Grid Solar System
A 5kW off-grid system with a battery backup can run most household appliances, offering complete energy independence. These systems are designed to work independently from the electricity grid to meet the power needs of household appliances.
Based on a survey by Jackery of 695 participants, 36.77% of respondents said that they are more likely to use Jackery products during home emergency backup. This indicates that homeowners are switching to reliable off-grid solar systems to stay protected from power outages, blackouts, and brownouts.
Jackery 5kW Solar Generator
The Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus is one of the most trusted home backup solutions. It can charge almost all household appliances for hours. Its dual voltage support ensures that the solar-powered generator can charge appliances working at 120V or 240V.
Even though the solar generator has a large capacity, it also has a pull rod and double wheels to ensure easy movement from one location to another. If you purchase the solar generator, you are qualified for a tax rebate of up to $1049.7, reducing the overall cost of the 5kW solar system.
If you want to save more on your solar journey, simply register as a Jackery's member for the first time and earn a $200 off coupon as a welcome gift. You will also get a free gift on your first order over $2000.
Customer Review
"Incredible whole home setup! Easy installation (per the electrician) and very versatile. I look forward to adding more power for a longer backup. Great job, Jackery!" — Customer.
Product |
Output |
Capacity |
Appliances |
Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus |
7200W (14,400W Peak) |
5040Wh |
Microwave (1100W) = 3.8H Electric Blanket (200W) = 21.4H Garment Steamer (2200W) = 1.9H Washer & Dryer (2000W) = 2.1H Refrigerator (500W) = 8.5H |
Conclusion
Investing in a 5kW solar system is popular among homeowners looking to save on energy costs. From reducing high electricity bills to powering essential appliances with clean power, this system offers a perfect balance of efficiency, sustainability, and affordability.
If you're considering a 5kW solar system, the Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus offers a reliable and efficient option. Whether you're new to solar or considering upgrading your current setup, a 5kW system has the potential to transform your energy experience.
Do you have questions or personal experiences with solar energy, or do you need help understanding what size solar generator will meet your needs? Share them in the comments below!
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