5kW is one of the most popular rooftop sizes in India — big enough to make a serious dent in a household or small-office bill, small enough to fit most roofs and sanctioned loads. Here are the honest numbers.
How many units does 5kW generate?
- Per day (clear day, North India): roughly 20–25 units
- Per month: around 550–700 units, varying by season
- Monsoon and winter: 40–60% of summer output
- Actual generation depends on shade, orientation, dust and temperature
Cost in India
Cost varies with panel type (mono PERC, TOPCon), inverter brand, structure and installation complexity. Residential buyers should also factor in the central subsidy under PM Surya Ghar, which reduces the effective cost meaningfully for systems up to 3kW and partially above it. Always compare per-watt quotes with the same specifications, not headline prices.
What's included in a proper installation
- Panels, inverter, DC and AC cabling, connectors
- Structure, earthing and surge protection
- Net metering support and commissioning
- Monitoring setup and a commissioning report
Payback
With self-consumption plus net metering credits, a 5kW system typically pays back in roughly 4–6 years. After that, the electricity is effectively free for the remaining 15+ years of panel life — provided the inverter is maintained (budget for one repair or replacement in that window).
Frequently asked questions
Will 5kW run my whole house?
For most Indian households during daylight, yes — including fridge, fans, lights and often the AC in the afternoon. Night-time consumption still comes from the grid or batteries.
How much roof area does 5kW need?
Roughly 300–350 sq ft of unshaded, preferably south-facing roof space.
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