Solar energy continues to be the best choice for homeowners and businesses looking to reduce energy costs and embrace renewable sources of energy. With all the benefits associated with solar, many homeowners are turning to larger solar panel systems to meet higher energy demands.
One of the larger options out there for homes is a 10kW solar panel system. This big set up can generate a significant amount of energy and reduce the amount you have to draw from the grid.
In this guide, we’ll take a good look at 10kW solar panel systems. We’ll go over the energy generation capabilities, the costs involved and look at other key considerations like return on investment and installation requirements. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of whether this system size is right for your home or small business.
What is a 10kw solar panel system?
A 10kW solar panel system is a large-scale solar setup, ideal for big homes with high electricity consumption or for small businesses looking to reduce their energy bills. The term ‘10kW’ refers to the system’s peak power output – this is the maximum amount of electricity the panels can produce under optimal conditions, such as bright sunlight and ideal roof orientation.
Unlike smaller systems, such as a 3kW or 4kW setup, a 10kW solar system is designed to meet the needs of larger homes with more energy-intensive lifestyles. This can include owners with electric vehicles, electric heating systems, underfloor heating or households that run multiple high-energy appliances at once.
However, the actual electricity generation of any solar panel system depends on several factors, including roof orientation, location and the time of year. A 10kW system might be able to generate substantial energy during summer months, but it will produce much less in the winter. Even with the fluctuations, this system size is great for those looking for long-term energy independence and significant cost savings.
Components of a 10kW solar system
There are several components that make up a 10kW solar panel system. Here’s what you can expect to find:
- Solar panels – The core of the system, solar panels convert sunlight into direct (DC) current electricity. A 10kW setup can include anywhere up to around 40 panels, depending on the efficiency and wattage of the individual panels. More efficient panels require less space but tend to be more expensive.
- Inverter – The inverter is responsible for converting the DC electricity into alternating current (AC) – this is the type of electricity used by your home. In larger systems like the 10kW setup, you might choose a 7-8kW inverter or multiple microinverters for improved efficiency and performance in less-than-ideal conditions, such as shading.
- Mounting system – A mount or brackets secures the solar panels to your roof. The type of roof you have (flat or pitched) will determine the specific mounting system required.
- Electrical components – These include isolator switches, cables and connectors that link your panels and inverter to your home’s electrical system and the national grid. As a 10kW system is large, additional electrical components may be required to handle the increased power output.
- Management system – Most modern solar installations come with some form of integrated monitoring system, allowing you to track your solar energy production in real-time. It’s becoming more common to hook solar installations up with other home renewable energy technologies in an integrated home energy management system (HEMS).
How many panels are needed for a 10kW solar system?
The number of panels in a 10kW solar system varies based on the wattage of the individual panels. With solar technology advancing in recent years, higher-wattage panels are now available, meaning you can achieve a 10kW system with fewer panels than you could even just five years ago.
Here are some of the more common configurations to reach 10kW:
- 25 x 400W panels
- 26 x 375W panels
- 23 x 435W panels
- 19 x 540W panels
- 37 x 300W panels
Higher-wattage panels reduce the number of panels you need, which can be helpful if roof space is limited. However, these panels are more expensive upfront. Lower-wattage panels are more affordable but will require more roof space to generate the same amount of energy.
The space required for a 10kW system usually ranges from 33 to 60 square metres, depending on the panel size and efficiency. For homes with limited roof space, it’s better to go for the higher-wattage panels if they fit in with your budget.
How much electricity will a 10kW solar system generate?
In the UK, a 10kW solar panel system can generate 43kWh of electricity per day on average. This is based on national data showing an average of 4.3 hours of sunlight per day in the UK across 2023.
Over the course of a year, a 10kW system can produce a very healthy 15,500kWh of electricity.
To put this into perspective, a standard UK household with 4-5 people uses around 4,100kWh of electricity per year. A 10kW system can cover the energy needs of three of these homes!
For homeowners with high electricity consumption, such as those charging electric vehicles or running electric heating systems, a 10kW setup offers a good amount of power. These higher solar panel systems will only become more popular as the electrification of all areas of our lives expands.
However, it’s important to remember that electricity generation will vary throughout the year. During the summer months a 10kW system will probably generate significantly more energy than is required by your home – not many homes will be using 43kWh of electricity per day.
On the other side, during the winter, generation will be lower, and it’s likely that you’ll need to rely more on grid electricity. This is why many homeowners with large systems consider adding battery storage to capture and store excess solar energy for use during the evenings and in low-sunlight conditions (more on batteries shortly).
Costs of a 10kW solar panel system
One of the biggest considerations for a 10kW solar panel system is the upfront cost. Prices can and will vary depending on the type of panels, the complexity of the installation and whether or not you include battery storage.
To give you an idea, you can expect to pay between £12,000 – £20,000 for the full system and installation. There’s currently 0% VAT being charged on solar panels, giving you a 20% discount. Adding a battery system will increase the cost by approximately £5,000, depending on the battery’s capacity.
Whilst the initial cost may seem steep, it’s crucial to consider the long-term savings and the system’s lifespan, which is around 30 years. This doesn’t mean they turn off at this time, but panels reduce in efficiency as they age. It’s around the 30 year mark when you might consider upgrading your PV and recycling your old panels.
Over time, the savings on your energy bills combined with the potential to sell excess energy back to the grid through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) can make the system a financially sound investment.
Payback period from 10kW solar panels
As you’ve seen, a 10kW solar panel system can provide significant benefits over time, this includes on the financial front too. The exact return on investment depends on your electricity consumption, the system’s performance and whether or not you add battery storage.
Over the course of a year, a 10kW system usually saves you £1,000 based on current electricity prices. If you choose to sell excess electricity back to the grid under the Smart Export Guarantee, you could earn an additional £300-£500 annually, depending on the tariff you choose.
The standard payback period for a 10kW system is approximately 10 years, although this can vary depending on the specific configuration of your system and how much energy you use. After this payback period you might have a good 15-20 years of free electricity. Adding battery storage can shorten this payback period, as it allows you to store excess electricity generated during the day and use it during peak times, further reducing your reliance on the grid.
Over the lifetime of the system, you could save £20,000 to £30,000 or more in electricity costs, making the initial investment well worth it.
Installation considerations for a 10kW system
When planning the installation of a 10kW solar system, one of the first things you’ll need to assess is whether your roof has the space and structural strength to support the panels. As mentioned earlier, a system of this size requires between 33 and 60 square metres of roof space, which is a large area.
Your roof orientation also plays an important role in solar panel performance. South-facing roofs are ideal for maximum sun exposure throughout the day. However, east- or west-facing roofs can also work well, though they may generate 15-20% less energy than a south-facing setup. If your roof is partially shaded by trees or buildings, this may also affect energy production. In such cases, you may want to consider microinverters to help reduce the effects of shading.
The condition of your roof should also be assessed before installation. If your roof needs repairs or replacement, it’s necessary to complete these tasks before installing solar panels, as removing and reinstalling the system later can add a significant amount to the overall cost.
The installation process itself is relatively straightforward for most homes and usually takes between 2 and 3 days depending on the complexity of the roof and the number of panels being installed. Be sure to use an MCS-certified installer to make sure that your system is eligible for government incentives and meets all necessary safety standards.
How battery storage can work effectively with a 10kW solar system
Adding a battery to your solar panel system is a fantastic choice. There are many benefits to solar battery systems, including maximising the financial return from your solar panels and reducing your reliance on high-priced day-time grid energy.
Battery storage can essentially help to smooth out the fluctuations associated with solar depending on the time of day and year. They can even give you access to super-cheap overnight electricity that can be used to charge your system ready to go for the morning rush.
Battery systems range in capacity, with prices starting at around £5,000 for smaller systems, going up to £8,000 or more for larger, higher-capacity batteries. Many solar panel installers now offer battery storage as an additional extra, usually at a more cost-effective price than adding it retrospectively. Learn more about battery storage prices.
The size of the battery you choose will depend on your household’s electricity consumption patterns and how much surplus energy your solar panels are likely to generate. For example, if you have a 10kW solar system and regularly export 12kW of electricity to the grid, you might consider a 12kW storage battery so you can use this energy for yourself. Take a look at our post on what size battery storage system do I need for more information.
Whilst the upfront cost of adding a battery can be high, it can significantly increase the overall return on investment of your solar system by allowing you to make the most of the electricity your panels generate – this has been shown to be the cheapest form of electricity.
Is a 10kW solar panel system right for your home?
A 10kW solar panel system is an excellent choice for high energy consumption homes with six or more people living there. It can also be a suitable option for small businesses with moderate to high energy needs, such as retail stores, offices or workshops.
One of the key advantages of a 10kW system is the potential to significantly reduce your reliance on grid electricity, especially during the sunnier months. In some cases, a well-optimised system with battery storage can allow you to go completely off-grid. This is particularly beneficial for those looking to avoid future electricity price hikes.
That said, the size of the system means it may be overkill for smaller households. For homes with lower energy consumption, a smaller system like a 4kW setup may be a better fit, offering a balance between installation cost and energy production.
Although the upfront costs of a 10kW solar system are higher than smaller systems, the long-term savings on energy bills and the opportunity to sell excess electricity back to the grid through the SEG make it a smart financial investment for the right and relevant homes.
With proper planning, a 10kW system can deliver decades of clean, renewable energy whilst saving you money and benefiting the environment.
