When it comes to choosing solar panels for your home, it pays to do your research and get the right size system. For larger UK households with higher energy demands, a 6kW solar panel system could be a good choice.
A 6kW solar panel array is particularly well-suited for homes with 4 or more bedrooms, or for families with above-average electricity consumption. However, determining whether a 6kW system is right for your home isn’t just about the number of rooms you have. There are a number of other factors at play too.
This guide will take you through all the key touchpoints when it comes to 6kW solar panel systems. We’ll look at its energy generation potential, break down the costs involved and highlight the main considerations you should be aware of before making your purchase.
What is a 6kW solar panel system?
A 6kW solar panel system is a large solar energy system capable of generating a significant amount of power for your home. The ‘6kW’ refers to the system’s peak power output under ideal conditions. You may also read this ‘nameplate’ capacity as kilowatt peak hours, or kWp.
A typical 6kW solar setup is made up of several important components:
- Solar panels – This almost goes without saying, but solar panels convert the sunlight into electrical energy. For a 6kW system, you’ll need a large number of roof panels installed (more on this later)Â
- Inverter – This crucial device transforms the direct current (DC) generated by your panels into alternating current (AC) that your home can use. For a 6kW system, you might use a single string inverter with a capacity of 5kW or multiple microinverters. It makes sense to slightly undersize the inverter as it can make the system more efficient when it isn’t running under optimal conditions.Â
- Mounting brackets – This securely attaches the panels to your roof.
- Electrical components – Including wiring, switches and meters to integrate the system with your home’s power supply and the grid.
- Monitoring system – Most modern installations include a monitoring system that allows you to track your energy production and consumption in real-time. High spec systems are known as HEMS, or home energy management systems.
How much electricity do you get from a 6kW system?
In the UK climate, a 6kW solar panel system tends to generate between 6,500 to 9,500kWh of electricity a year. This is quite an impressive amount of energy, which can be broken down further:
- Monthly production: Around 650-850kWh
- Daily production: 18-27kWh
This daily production amount is significant. To put this into perspective, the average UK home uses between 6-10kWh of electricity per day and 2,700kWh per year. Homes with items that require high electricity inputs, such as electric vehicles and electric heating, are likely to be above this average. For example, a typical EV adds about 1,200 kWh of charging per year.
Factors affecting electricity generation
However, it’s important to understand that these figures represent averages. Your actual production will fluctuate based on several factors such as:
- Geographic location – Southern regions of the UK generally receive more sunlight than northern areas. For example, a 6kW system in Surrey will produce more energy across the year than an identical system in Edinburgh.
- Roof orientation and tilt – South-facing roofs at a 30-40 degree angle is the most efficient solar set up for UK homes. East or west-facing roofs are still good but may produce about 15-20% less energy.
- Shading – Trees, buildings or other obstructions can significantly impact production. Even partial shading on one panel can affect the output of the entire system.
- Seasonal variations – Expect peak production in summer months and lower output during winter. In the UK, you might generate up to four times more electricity in June than in December. Whilst solar panels work on cloudy days, their efficiency is reduced. The UK’s variable weather means your system’s output will fluctuate day to day and season to season.
Can you power your whole home with a 6kW solar system?
When taking everything into account, a 6kW solar panel system is suited for larger households, usually those with 4 or more occupants due to the energy that these systems can produce on a good day.
The average 5-person household in the UK consumes over 4,300kWh of electricity per year. With an annual generation of 8,000 to 10,000 kWh, a 6kW system can potentially cover 100% of such a household’s electricity needs, with excess to spare.
But as we’ve seen with the factors above, electricity generation differs between days and months across the year. It’s essential to understand that solar production doesn’t fully align with energy consumption patterns.
It’s highly likely that you’ll generate more electricity than you need during sunny summer days, whilst winter months and nighttime will still require some grid electricity. This can be frustrating but there are a few things you can do to maximise self-consumption of your solar energy:
- Invest in a home battery system to store excess daytime energy for evening use. This can significantly reduce your reliance on the grid and help you to make the most of the solar energy you generate – and remember, solar energy is the cheapest form of electricity you can get. Check out our guide on solar battery storage to get you started. Â
- Use timers to run high-consumption appliances like washing machines and dishwashers during peak sunlight hours. If you have an EV, see if you can charge this with your solar or via your battery.
- Consider smart home technologies that can automatically adjust your energy usage based on your solar production.
Even with a 6kW system, you’ll probably maintain a grid connection for backup power during low-production periods. However, your reliance on grid electricity will be significantly reduced, potentially to zero during summer months.
Cost of a 6kW solar panel system
Buying a 6kW solar panel system is an investment. But like any investment, it’s worth it over the long run.
Current market prices of solar panels, which have 0% VAT, range from £8,000 to £11,000 which should include installation. If you’re considering adding battery storage to your setup, expect the total cost to increase to between £12,000 and £15,000. Take a closer look at battery storage prices here.
Like most things, the final price of your 6kW solar panel system will be influenced by several factors. Panel quality and efficiency play a significant role. Although higher efficiency panels often come with a steeper price tag, they can provide better performance and potentially require less roof space.
The type of inverter chosen also impacts the overall cost. Microinverters, for example, tend to be more expensive than string inverters but can offer advantages in terms of performance and granular monitoring capabilities.
The complexity and accessibility of your roof is another factor when it comes to installation costs. If your roof is difficult to access or has a complex shape with multiple angles or obstructions, installation costs may increase due to the additional labour and equipment required.
What about the payback period?
The long-term financial benefits of a 6kW solar system are compelling. A 6kW system can potentially save upwards of £915 a year on your electricity bills. This figure all depends on your energy usage patterns and the system’s performance. As energy prices continue to rise, these savings are likely to increase over time, providing even greater value for your investment.
In addition to direct savings on your energy bills, you can also earn money through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme. The SEG requires energy suppliers to pay you for excess electricity you export to the grid. Rates vary significantly between suppliers, offering opportunities to maximise your earnings.
For example, Utility Warehouse only offer an export rate as low as 2p per kWh, whereas Scottish Power provides a competitive 12p per kWh. Octopus Energy offer some of the best tariffs, including their Flux ones which can see you paid almost 30p per kWh of exported energy, although this comes with specific conditions.
Given these savings and earnings, most 6kW systems in the UK will pay for themselves within 10 years. This payback period could be even shorter if energy prices continue to rise, if you secure a particularly favourable SEG rate or you add battery storage and use more of the solar energy you generate.
Over the 25-30 year lifespan of your solar panels, you could potentially save £20,000 and more on electricity costs.
The benefits of solar panels extend beyond direct energy savings. Studies suggest that homes with solar panels can sell for a premium, potentially offsetting a significant portion of your initial investment if you decide to move. Whilst the exact increase varies, some estimates suggest solar panels can add up to 4.1% to a home’s value.
How many panels make up a 6kW system?
The number of panels in a 6kW system can vary depending on the wattage of individual panels. Here are a few examples for you depending on the various wattages:
- Using 350W panels: 18 panels
- Using 400W panels: 15 panels
- Using 450W panels: 14 panels
As a general rule of thumb, most 6kW systems in the UK will have anywhere from 14 to 24 panels, depending on the specific panels chosen and the installer’s recommendations.
It’s worth noting that higher wattage panels, whilst potentially more expensive, can reduce the total number of panels needed. This can be beneficial if roof space is at a premium or for aesthetic reasons.
Space requirements and installation
A 6kW solar panel system requires between 38 to 43 square metres of roof space. This is roughly equivalent to the size of two large bedrooms. Before committing to a 6kW system, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got the space. Of course, an initial inspection by an installer will be able to advise you on this.
If you haven’t got enough sloped roof space, it’s possible to have solar panels installed on flat roofs and even as ground-mounted systems.
Aside from the physical space, your roof should be in good condition and able to support the additional weight of the solar panels. If your roof needs repairs or replacement, it’s best to do this before installing solar panels.
The installation process for a 6kW system usually takes 1-3 days, involving the putting up of scaffolding, panel installation and electrical wiring. Make sure you use a MCS certified installer.
Pros and cons of a 6kW solar panel system
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| High energy production, suitable for larger households | Higher initial investment compared to smaller systems |
| Potential for complete energy independence during summer months | Requires significant roof space, which may not be available for all homes |
| Significant long-term savings on electricity bills and protection against rising energy costs | May produce excess energy that goes unused without a battery storage system |
| Higher potential earnings from excess energy export | Could be oversized for smaller households, leading to unnecessary expense |
| Increased property value | Performance can be affected by UK weather conditions |
Is a 6kW panel system right for you?
A 6kW solar panel system is more suited for larger households with four or more people, especially those with high energy consumption. If your annual electricity use is more than 4,300kWh, a 6kW system could potentially cover most of your energy needs. Combining your panels with home battery storage will increase your efficiency further.
Whilst the initial costs are higher than smaller systems, the increased energy production can lead to greater long-term savings and a shorter payback period.
For smaller households and those with lower energy needs, a smaller system such as 4kW or 5kW might be more appropriate. It’s vital to match the system size to your specific requirements to make sure you’re getting maximum efficiency and return on investment.
