Description
As more homeowners and businesses in the Central Coast turn to solar energy to reduce their electricity bills and environmental impact, choosing the right system size has become a key consideration. Two of the most popular options are 5kW and 10kW solar systems. Understanding the differences between them can help you make a more informed decision based on your energy needs, budget, and property characteristics.
In this article, we compare 5kW vs 10kW solar systems, focusing on performance, cost, suitability, and potential savings. Whether you're looking for a smaller solution for a residential home or a larger system to meet more demanding power requirements, this guide—brought to you by Zeneco Energy, your trusted expert in solar panel installation Central Coast will give you the clarity you need.
A 5kW solar system is one of the most commonly installed residential systems across Australia. It typically consists of around 13 to 18 panels, depending on the panel wattage. This system can generate an average of 20–22 kWh of electricity per day, depending on location, orientation, and weather conditions.
For many households in the Central Coast, a 5kW system is sufficient to cover the majority of daytime electricity usage. It’s a solid option for small to medium-sized families who are home during the day or who want to make use of solar feed-in tariffs by exporting excess power to the grid.
A 10kW solar system, on the other hand, is double the size in capacity and typically requires around 26 to 36 panels. It produces an average of 38–44 kWh per day, depending on local solar conditions. A 10kW system is ideal for larger homes with higher energy consumption, home businesses, or even small commercial properties.
With a higher generation capacity, it allows for greater self-consumption, more battery storage potential, and a better opportunity to take advantage of export tariffs. It's also future-proofed for those who may wish to purchase electric vehicles or expand their energy needs.
While costs can vary depending on panel brand, inverter quality, installation complexity, and rebates available, here’s a general cost breakdown:
5kW Solar System: $4,000 – $7,000 (after STC rebates)
10kW Solar System: $8,000 – $13,000 (after STC rebates)
At Zeneco Energy, we offer competitive pricing and customised solutions to ensure your solar panel installation Central Coast delivers maximum value and return on investment.
One of the practical considerations is roof space. A 5kW system generally requires around 25–30 m², while a 10kW system needs approximately 50–60 m². If your roof is shaded or has limited usable area, this could influence your system size decision.
Our team at Zeneco Energy performs thorough on-site inspections to assess your roof suitability and design a system that meets your needs.
Both 5kW and 10kW systems offer strong long-term savings. However, your actual return on investment (ROI) depends on how much of the generated electricity you use.
5kW System: Ideal for moderate consumption. Can save $1,000 – $1,500 annually.
10kW System: Suitable for higher usage or partial commercial use. Potential annual savings of $2,000 – $3,000+.
With rising energy prices, investing in a larger system like 10kW can offer better value over time, especially if your consumption aligns with peak solar production hours or if battery storage is part of your plan.
Both systems can be paired with solar batteries. A 5kW system might suit a smaller 5–10kWh battery, while a 10kW system can support larger batteries like 13.5kWh and beyond. Battery storage helps you maximise self-consumption, reduce reliance on the grid, and increase energy independence.
If you're considering battery backup as part of your solar panel installation Central Coast, Zeneco Energy can tailor a package to meet your current and future energy goals.
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