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5kW Solar System Australia 2026
Complete guide to 5kW solar system cost, output, and savings in Australia. Find out if a 5kW system is right for your home and what to expect in 2026.
Panels
12–14
Daily Output
18–23 kWh
Cost After STCs
$3,000–$5,000
Annual Savings
$1,000–$1,600
Payback Period
3–5 years
Roof Space
25–30 m²
Ideal for: Small households (1–2 people), low-to-moderate electricity usage, smaller roofs, or budget-conscious buyers.
Who Should Get a 5kW System?
A 5kW solar system is ideal for smaller Australian households — typically 1–2 people with quarterly electricity bills under $350. It's the most popular "starter" size and represents excellent value for money. If your roof space is limited (under 30m²), a 5kW system may also be your best option regardless of usage.
How Much Power Does a 5kW System Produce?
A 5kW system generates between 18–23 kWh per day on average, depending on your location. In sunny states like Queensland and Western Australia, expect output toward the higher end. In Victoria and Tasmania, closer to the lower end. This is enough to power most daytime appliances for a small household, including air conditioning, washing machine, and cooking.
Cost Breakdown
Before federal STCs, a quality 5kW system from a Tier 1 manufacturer costs $4,500–$6,500 fully installed. After STCs (which vary by location), expect to pay $3,000–$5,000 out of pocket. Premium panels (REC, SunPower) will be at the higher end, while mainstream brands (Jinko, Trina, LONGi) offer excellent value at the lower end. Avoid systems priced significantly below $3,000 — quality and warranty reliability drop sharply at rock-bottom prices.
Should You Add a Battery?
For most 5kW systems, a battery isn't essential. The economics work best when you can self-consume most of your generation during the day. A smaller 5kWh battery ($4,500–$6,500) can make sense if you're on a time-of-use tariff and want to avoid peak evening rates, but for pure savings, the payback on batteries is still longer than panels alone.
5kW vs 6.6kW — Which Is Better?
The price difference between 5kW and 6.6kW is often only $500–$1,000. Since a 5kW inverter can legally accept up to 6.6kW of panels (a common configuration called "oversizing"), many installers recommend the 6.6kW option for marginally more cost. If your roof fits it, the 6.6kW system almost always offers better value.
5kW System — Cost & Output by State
| State | Daily Output | Cost After STCs | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| QLD | 22 kWh/day | $3,200–$4,800 | $1,200–$1,600 |
| NSW | 20 kWh/day | $3,400–$5,000 | $1,100–$1,500 |
| VIC | 17 kWh/day | $2,800–$4,200 | $900–$1,300 |
| SA | 21 kWh/day | $3,200–$4,600 | $1,400–$1,800 |
| WA | 23 kWh/day | $3,000–$4,500 | $1,200–$1,500 |
| TAS | 15 kWh/day | $3,600–$5,200 | $800–$1,100 |
ADVANTAGES
✓Lowest upfront cost — great entry point for solar
✓Fits smaller roofs that can't accommodate larger systems
✓Fast payback period due to lower investment
✓Most inverters are single-phase compatible
✓Eligible for full federal STCs
CONSIDERATIONS
•May not cover all electricity usage for larger families
•Less future-proofing if you add EVs or batteries later
•Excess generation is limited, reducing export income
•Won't significantly reduce bills for high-usage homes
Find out if a 5kW system is right for your home — takes 60 seconds.
Get My Solar Score ☀Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a 5kW solar system cost in Australia?
A 5kW solar system costs approximately $3,000–$5,000 after federal STC rebates in 2026. Exact pricing depends on your state, panel brand, inverter choice, and installer. Premium tier-1 panels may add $1,000–$2,000 to the base price.
How much electricity does a 5kW system produce?
A 5kW system produces approximately 18–23 kWh on average. Output varies by location — Perth and Darwin get more sun than Melbourne or Hobart — and by roof orientation. North-facing roofs in Australia produce the most energy.
How much will I save with a 5kW solar system?
Typical savings with a 5kW system are around $1,000–$1,600 per year, depending on your electricity rate, usage patterns, and how much solar energy you self-consume versus export to the grid. Adding a battery increases self-consumption from ~35% to ~70%.
How many panels are in a 5kW system?
A 5kW system typically uses 12–14. Most modern panels are 400–440W each. You'll need approximately 12 panels at 420W to reach 5kW. Your installer will confirm exact panel count based on the brand selected.
Is a 5kW system big enough for my home?
That depends on your electricity usage. Check the "Ideal For" section above for detailed household profiles. As a rule of thumb: divide your quarterly bill by $150 to estimate the kW you need. Our free solar score tool gives you a personalised system size recommendation.