6kW Solar System in the UK: A Complete Guide in 2024
When looking at solar panels, one of the biggest concerns almost everyone has is matching their wattage to the particulars of their home. Solar panel systems generally range from 1kWh to 4kWh (kilowatt hours). However, larger households may need something with a lot more capacity, like a 6kW solar system.
6kW (kilowatts) solar panels are ideal for households of 5 persons or more as they provide the right power output to keep your home comfy and energised while also keeping it eco-friendly. Let's take a look at what 6kW systems have to offer and when you might need them.
However, if you've already made up your mind as to what system you need, then you’ll need to search for quotes from trusted solar installers in your area. One common way to do it is to search for and reach out to the installers yourself. But how time-consuming and stressful would that be?
You can sacrifice your valuable time off with family in favour of googling and reaching out to installers. However, you might still end up disappointed with zero reliable contacts at your fingertips.
Fortunately, Solar Guide can help you avoid the hassle of finding a trusted installer on your own. Fill out our short form and we'll provide you with the best prices from up to 4 vetted installers near you. Then you can compare the prices with no obligations to place any orders. To receive multiple free, non-binding quotes for the solar system of your choice, click the link below.
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6kW solar system with a battery: a complete setup in the UK
6kW solar systems are high power and can cover more than what an average household needs. They are best used for larger households or ones with unusual energy requirements such as space heating or air conditioning. Even if your home doesn’t end up using all the extra produced power, you can still leverage the advantages of solar energy by returning energy to the grid for money (more on this later).
A proper 6kW system with a solar battery requires a decent amount of roof space (usually 38m2 to 43m2) and possibly some additional loft space to store an inverter that can convert DC (direct current) to AC (alternating current). The most optimal angle of solar panels in the UK is an incline of 30º to 45º with your roof facing south.
From your roof, the solar energy is inverted and then stored in the battery. You can place the battery almost anywhere in your house but it's advisable to keep it in an accessible location and in a place where you can add additional batteries (in case you opt for a higher storage option). Some solar batteries can also be stored outside. Check your battery's datasheet to learn more.
A 6kW solar system with a battery in the UK is priced at £9,000 to £11,000, ordinarily. However, you may have to pay additional charges if you already have a solar panel but need to retrofit a battery onto the existing system, as this often requires the implementation of additional components.
6kW solar system: how many panels do you need?
If you’re wondering “How many solar panels do I need?”, that can vary on the individual wattage per panel. The number of solar panels for 6kW systems is as follows:
- 24 solar panels of 250W each
- 20 solar panels of 300W each
- 15 solar panels of 400W each
You would require roughly 38m2 to 43m2 of roof space to install systems of this size. Other factors that might affect the price are whether you opt for ground-mounted, on-roof panels, or integrated solar panels.
In order to generate 6,600 watts of power, you will need 19 panels with a wattage of 340 watts each. As a rule of thumb, homeowners usually have anywhere from 17 to 24 6kW solar panels installed.
The exact figure may fluctuate depending on factors such as the wattage of the panels, batteries, and the specific requirements of the installation.
Are you already dreading the thought of spending your weekend searching for an installer instead of time out with family? Indeed, browsing the quotes and reading customer reviews might take hours of your time with no guarantee of successful finds.
Solar Guide is here to help you avoid time-consuming browsing. Complete our short form and receive up to 4 free quotes from trusted solar panel installers in your area. Our service is free and non-binding - just compare the offered quotes with no pressure to place any orders. Click below to get hassle-free solar quotes.
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6kW solar system savings for a UK household
The standard cost of a 6kW solar panel system can stretch between £7,000 and £8,500 on its own. The cost of a 6kW system with a battery can be higher since a battery adds £1,200 to £6,000, depending on the capacity. Keep in mind that this is the price for the system itself and the costs of installing solar panels are separate. A 6kw solar system with a battery price in the UK starts at roughly £9,500.
A full installation can cost £5,000 - £18,000 for 15 to 16 400W panels requiring about 38m²-43m².
In summary, the cost of a 6kW system with a battery can be around £14,200 – £17,500 on the lower end, with installation costs included. Prices can go far higher for more complex installations with higher-capacity batteries.
| 6kW solar panel system cost | £7,000-£8,500 |
| 6kW solar panel system+battery | £9,700-£14,500 |
| 6kW solar panel system+battery+installation | £14,200-£17,500 |
Installing and buying a 6kW solar panel system with a battery in the UK can seem like a hefty price but there are upsides and savings that can make it easier to pull costs down. 6kW systems can save households between £1,000 to £1,300 in energy savings in annual electricity bills.
The breakeven point for most solar panels is 5 to 10 years, and while 6kW systems will be on the longer side due to initial investment, they can bring in far greater savings per year due to how much power they gather.
Another advantage you might have in the UK is the ability to access solar panel grants that help you cut down on initial costs. The ECO4 scheme is great for subsidising purchases and then there are regional schemes like the Home Upgrade Grant and Loan, which can potentially net you entirely free solar panels in Scotland (depending on the size of the panels and your eligibility).
Smart Export Guarantee grant
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a government scheme whereby electricity suppliers provide a payment tariff to owners of small-scale low-carbon generation systems for any excess electricity they are contributing to the National Grid. This allows people to make money off of their solar panels. The SEG is available to anyone who has installed a bunch of technology types (in Great Britain), which includes solar panels up to a capacity of 5MW.
Basically, you can leverage a high-power, commercial solar panel system to give back to the community and make money at the same time. These are some of the many benefits of solar panels that you can take advantage of with your own system.
If you're interested in buying solar panels, there are lots of options. Finding the ideal quote can be a daunting task which can require hours of research and still leave you with zero options at your hands.
Fortunately, our service can help you access the best prices with no stress by giving you up to 4 free, non-binding quotes from certified installers. Fill in our 30-second form and consider the offered quotes with no obligation to accept any of them. Click the link below to make the selection process far easier with direct deals from trusted installers.
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How much electricity does a 6kW solar system produce in the UK?
A 6kW system produces around 30kWh per day if ideal conditions are met. There are quite a few factors that can impede the effectiveness of solar panels, which is why there is a massive gulf between the lower and upper output numbers per day.
Most solar panels for residential areas have an efficiency rating of 15% to 20%. Aside from having an ideal roof slope and putting the panels away from shade, one way to boost solar panel efficiency is to buy panels with a higher efficiency rating.
Is a 6kW solar panel system worth it for my household?
As stated earlier, this is ideal for households with high energy consumption and/or 5 or more persons. The average 5-person household consumes over 4,300kWh per year. In comparison, the annual energy production of a 6kW solar panel system is 8,000kWh to 10,000kWh.
This sort of system is geared towards larger consumption and could be a bit too much for you if you live in a smaller house with less roof space or if you have fewer people consuming less electricity.
Even so, you might need a 6kW system if you don't get as many sunlight hours or are in an area where efficiency is impacted by extraneous factors. With a decent battery, you could be able to save up more energy and make the most of limited sunshine. Aside from the energy you save, you can give SOME back to the grid and earn SOME money back. This can make the 6kW solar system worth it for the extra advantage.
Quotes for 6kW solar systems with battery
If you're in the market for a 6kW solar panel system, Solar Guide's service is one of the handiest ways to do so. Finding a trusted installer on your own can take hours or even days of your precious time. So we help you obtain the best prices by providing you with up to 4 free, non-binding solar panel quotes from vetted professionals.
It can be difficult to find an installer you trust, so we do the legwork for you. Don't miss out on the energy savings you could be getting with a new system. All you have to do is click the link below and compare the prices for your area.
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FAQ
How many solar panels are needed for 6kW?
For 6kW, you’ll need 24 solar panels of 250W each, 20 solar panels of 300W each, or 15 Solar panels of 400W each. The costs and output of a solar panel system can vary depending on a number of factors.
How much power can a 6kW solar system produce in a day?
6kW solar systems can produce 20kWh to 30kWh a day. However, their output can vary on a number of factors related to your house and setup.
How much does a 6kW solar panel with a battery cost in the UK?
A standard 6kW solar panel system can cost £7,000 to £8,500 on its own. However, additional elements like a battery can add to the price.
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