Introduction

A well-designed 5 kW residential solar PV system ensures reliable energy generation, efficient solar power use, and proper matching with batteries and inverters. This article explains how to size and match solar panels, inverter, and battery storage for a typical household.

Step 1: Assess Household Energy Consumption

• Average daily consumption: 20 kWh per day

• Peak load: 5 kW

• Average sunlight: 5 peak sun hours per day

Step 2: Solar Panel Sizing

• The PV array should meet the household’s energy needs and account for system losses.

• Approximately 12 panels of 400 W each are recommended to form a 4.6 kW array.

Conclusion: 12 panels of 400 W each provide sufficient energy generation for a 5 kW system, ensuring reliable performance during peak sunlight hours.

Step 3: Inverter Selection

• Select an inverter slightly larger than the PV array, around 5 to 5.5 kW.

• MPPT inverters maximize energy extraction and efficiency.

Conclusion: A 5 kW MPPT inverter is suitable for the 4.6 kW PV array.

Step 4: Battery Sizing

• For short-term backup, match a 5 kW inverter with a 10 kWh battery following a common inverter-to-battery ratio.

• For overnight or full-day off-grid use, a larger battery is recommended.

• For 20 kWh daily consumption and 80% allowable depth of discharge, a 25 kWh battery is suitable.

• Use a 48 V battery system to match the inverter.

Conclusion:

• Short-term backup: 10 kWh battery

• Overnight or off-grid use: 25 kWh battery

Step 5: System Configuration

The recommended configuration for a 5 kW residential solar PV system is:

• Solar Panels: 12 panels, each 400 W, forming a 4.6 kW array

• Inverter: 5 kW MPPT inverter

• Battery: 10 kWh for short-term backup or 25 kWh for overnight/off-grid use

• System Voltage: 48 V

Step 6: Practical Considerations

• Optimize panel tilt and orientation to capture maximum sunlight

• Avoid shading from trees or nearby buildings

• Install proper wiring, breakers, and protective devices for safety

• Ensure battery and inverter are matched for charging and discharging currents

• Optional monitoring system for real-time energy tracking

Conclusion

A 5 kW residential solar PV system can be effectively configured with 12 solar panels, a 5 kW MPPT inverter, and 10–25 kWh of battery storage depending on backup or off-grid needs. This configuration ensures reliable energy generation, efficient solar power use, and proper matching between PV array, inverter, and battery.