As solar power becomes more popular in the Philippines, many households are turning to 5 kW solar PV systems with 5 kWh battery backup to harness renewable energy and reduce electricity costs. This combination allows you to power a wide range of appliances throughout the day and store excess energy for nighttime use.
Let’s break down how many appliances you can run with this setup, considering the energy generation and storage capacity.
Understanding Your 5 kW Solar PV System
A 5 kW solar PV system in the Philippines typically produces around 20-25 kWh of energy per day under optimal sunlight conditions (averaging about 4-5 peak sun hours daily). The 5 kWh battery allows you to store excess energy for use during non-sunny periods or at night, further maximizing your system’s efficiency.
- Solar Output: ~20-25 kWh/day
- Battery Storage: 5 kWh capacity
What Can You Power with 5 kW Solar and 5 kWh Battery?
Here’s an estimate of how many common household appliances you can run on this setup:
1. Refrigerator
- Daily Consumption: ~1.2 kWh
- A typical refrigerator running 24/7 consumes about 1-2 kWh per day. Your system can easily power this with less than 10% of your daily solar generation.
2. Air Conditioner (1 HP Inverter, 5 hours use)
- Daily Consumption: ~1.2 kWh
- Running a 1 HP inverter air conditioner for 5 hours can consume about 1.2 kWh, meaning you can comfortably run it for part of the day and still have energy for other appliances.
3. LED Lights (10 bulbs, 5 hours use)
- Daily Consumption: ~0.5 kWh
- LED lights are energy-efficient, using only around 0.05 kWh per bulb for 5 hours of use. Running 10 bulbs for 5 hours consumes just 0.5 kWh/day, or 2% of your system’s daily output.
4. Television (LED, 5 hours use)
- Daily Consumption: ~0.15 kWh
- An LED TV consumes around 0.03 kWh per hour. Running it for 5 hours a day consumes 0.15 kWh of energy.
5. Laptop (8 hours use)
- Daily Consumption: ~0.05 kWh
- A laptop is highly energy-efficient, using only 0.05 kWh/day for 8 hours of work, contributing minimally to the total energy use.
6. Washing Machine (1 load)
- Daily Consumption: ~1 kWh per load
- A washing machine typically uses 0.5-1 kWh per load. You can easily run one load of laundry during the day.
Sample Daily Usage Scenario:
Here’s a possible daily setup using the 20-25 kWh generated by your 5 kW solar PV system:
- Refrigerator: 1.2 kWh
- LED Lights (10 bulbs, 5 hours): 0.5 kWh
- Air Conditioner (5 hours): 1.2 kWh
- TV (5 hours): 0.15 kWh
- Laptop (8 hours): 0.05 kWh
- Washing Machine (1 load): 1 kWh
Total Daily Consumption: ~4.1 kWh/day
This leaves you with plenty of energy left for other appliances like fans, microwave ovens, or additional air conditioning time.
The 5 kWh battery allows you to store excess energy during sunny hours and use it when needed, such as during the evening or in case of cloud cover, extending the number of appliances you can use throughout the day and night.
Advantages of a 5 kW Solar PV System with Battery Backup
- Energy Independence: You can significantly reduce your reliance on the grid, especially with the 5 kWh battery that stores solar energy for nighttime use.
- Cost Savings: By generating your own electricity, you lower your monthly utility bills. Plus, net metering can allow you to sell excess energy back to the grid.
- Power During Outages: The battery backup can provide uninterrupted power during outages, which can be common in some areas.
- Environmentally Friendly: Solar power reduces your carbon footprint, helping you contribute to a greener environment.
Key Considerations for Maximizing Your Solar Setup:
- Sunlight Availability: In the Philippines, with its high average sunlight, a 5 kW system can typically generate around 20-25 kWh per day, but this may vary based on weather and shading.
- Appliance Efficiency: Energy-efficient appliances can help you get the most out of your solar setup.
- Battery Capacity: The 5 kWh battery is great for storing excess energy, but consider whether you’ll need more battery capacity if you’re powering many devices at night.
- Peak Load Management: If possible, schedule high-energy-use appliances (like air conditioners and washing machines) to run during peak sunlight hours to reduce reliance on the battery.
Final Thoughts:
A 5 kW solar PV system with a 5 kWh battery is an excellent solution for homes and small businesses in the Philippines. It allows you to power essential appliances like refrigerators, lights, air conditioners, and washing machines while providing backup energy for when the sun isn’t shining. By carefully managing your energy consumption and using energy-efficient appliances, this system can help you save significantly on electricity bills and reduce your dependence on the grid.
Ready to make the switch? Contact SolarSwitch today for a free consultation and start harnessing the power of the sun!