5kW Solar Panel System UK | Output, Suitability & Install

The right fit

Why a 5kW system could be the right fit

A 5kW solar system is the most popular larger residential configuration in the UK. It uses 12 to 13 panels across 30 to 36 square metres of roof and is sized for 4 to 5 bed homes with annual electricity use of 4,000 to 6,000 kWh. The added headroom over a 4kW system means it suits families with electric vehicles, hot tubs, home offices or other consistent daytime loads.

Paired with a 7 to 10 kWh battery, the most common upgrade, annual self-consumption typically reaches 75 to 85%, so most of what the system produces is used in the home rather than exported. 12 to 13 panels fit comfortably on the average 4-bed semi or detached pitched roof, with capacity to spare on larger properties, and all paperwork and grid approvals are handled by Solar4Good on your behalf.

The datasheet

5kW spec sheet

Indicative figures for a 5kW system on a typical UK home. Your exact output depends on your roof, orientation, shading and usage, confirmed in a site visit.

System size5 kW DC

Solar panels12-13 × 450W

Roof space30-36 m²

Suited to4-5 bed home

Output · daily~11.6-13.7 kWh

Daily with battery13.7-16.6 kWh

Output · monthly~350-410 kWh

Output · yearly4,250-4,750 kWh

Self-consumption75-85% w/ battery

Panel warranty25 yrs

Indicative, not a quote · final figures after a free roof assessment.

What is included

12-13 tier-one panels

High-efficiency 450W panels, sized to deliver at least 5 kW DC.

Inverter (hybrid option)

A quality inverter, hybrid-ready if you add a 7 to 10 kWh battery.

Mounting, wiring & connection

All roof mounting, cabling and grid connection, done neatly and safely.

Monitoring app & walkthrough

Live generation on your phone, set up and explained before we leave.

Full MCS install + SEG setup

Fitted under our own MCS registration, with export-tariff (SEG) setup handled.

25-year panel warranty

Plus a team you can still call after switch-on. Every job certified under our own MCS registration.

Storage

5kW with or without a battery

Panels only

Good if you use power in the day

The panels power the home in daylight and export the surplus for a payment under SEG. Ideal if someone is home in the day, or you run appliances, an EV or a heat pump while the sun is up.

Panels + battery

The most common upgrade

A 7 to 10 kWh battery stores daytime solar for the evening, lifting self-consumption to 75 to 85%. Pairs especially well with off-peak tariffs and overnight EV charging.

The right size?

Is 5kW enough for your home?

For most 4 to 5 bed homes using 4,000 to 6,000 kWh a year, a 5kW system covers a meaningful share of annual electricity, and with a 7 to 10 kWh battery, self-consumption typically reaches 75 to 85%. It is the natural choice for families with an EV, a hot tub, a home office or other steady daytime demand.

If your usage is lower or your roof is smaller, a 3kW or 4kW system may suit better; if you run more than one EV or a heat pump, look at 6kW or 10kW. We size to your actual usage, not a template. On EVs specifically: a 5kW system contributes meaningfully to charging during daylight, but most EV owners pair it with a smart charger and an off-peak overnight tariff for the bulk of charging.

Real installs

Solar4Good homes across the UK

We fit every size. A 4-bed in Pinner runs 85% off its own solar on a 5kW-plus-battery setup; a 5-bed in Stanmore was resized correctly after being over-quoted elsewhere. Here are two more real Solar4Good homes, powered under our own MCS registration:

70% self-powered

The Bhachoo familySolar plus a Tesla Powerwall, running the home on its own power ~70% of the year.Read their story ›

72% self-powered

The Shelton family, BirminghamSolar with a home battery, running the house on its own power ~72% of the year.Read their story ›

How it works

Go solar in three easy steps

STEP 01

Site visit & design

A local engineer visits, assesses your roof for pitch, orientation and shading, and designs a 5kW system around your actual property. No cost, no obligation.

STEP 02

Fixed-price quote

A clear, itemised proposal with no hidden costs. We handle all paperwork and grid approvals as standard.

STEP 03

Installation day

A named installer and team complete the full install in one to two days. Tested, MCS-certified and your monitoring set up before we leave.

Why Solar4Good

Engineer-led, in-house, UK-wide

You work with a UK-wide team based in Harrow, not a remote sales centre. The person who assesses your roof is directly involved in designing the system, and once it is in we handle MCS certification, SEG export-tariff setup and your monitoring app, so you are never left navigating the process alone.

3,000+UK installs

50,000+Panels installed

4.9★from 1,000+ reviews

MCSCertified, in-house

Rated 4.9/5 from 1,000+ verified reviews on Trustpilot, TrustATrader and Google

“George the sales chap was straightforward and honest, and the whole installation team were awesome, courteous and professional throughout.”

Jamie Wilson · Verified Trustpilot review

“From start to finish the whole job has been seamless. The install guys were polite, knowledgeable and efficient.”

Timothy Clarke · Verified Trustpilot review

“I wholeheartedly recommend this company for solar and battery storage installation.”

Soham Acharya · Verified Trustpilot review

Read All reviews →

Good to know

The questions homeowners actually ask about a 5kW solar system.

Is 5kW enough to power a 4-bed home?

For most 4 to 5 bed homes using 4,000 to 6,000 kWh a year, a 5kW system covers a meaningful share of annual electricity. With a 7 to 10 kWh battery, self-consumption typically reaches 75 to 85%, meaning most of what the system produces is used in the home rather than exported.

How many panels are needed for 5kW?

12 to 13 panels using modern 450W modules, or 10 to 11 panels using higher-wattage 500W modules. We always size the system to deliver at least 5 kW DC nameplate output.

How much roof space does a 5kW system need?

30 to 36 square metres of unshaded roof. South, south-east and south-west aspects perform best in UK conditions. Most 4 to 5 bed homes have ample space, often with capacity to spare.

Should I add a battery to a 5kW system?

Most 5kW customers do. A 7 to 10 kWh battery is the typical pairing and significantly lifts annual self-consumption. It pairs particularly well with off-peak tariffs and overnight EV charging.

How does a 5kW system handle EV charging?

A 5kW system contributes meaningfully to EV charging during daylight hours, but is not usually sized to fully charge an EV from solar alone. Most EV-owning customers pair it with a smart EV charger and an off-peak overnight tariff for the bulk of charging.

Who installs it, and do you handle the paperwork?

Most installations are carried out under our own MCS registration. Further afield we use installers working under our MCS registration, and the certificate and workmanship warranty remain ours. We handle all paperwork, grid approvals, MCS certification and SEG export-tariff setup on your behalf.