Read Time : 7 Minutes
A Guide to 2kW Solar Panel Systems for the UK (2024)
The basics: let’s look at what a 2kW PV Solar Panel System is.
A 2kW solar PV system is smaller than most domestic and commercial solar arrays. When people talk about solar power, you’ll often see a number, in this case 2, followed by the letters kW. This refers to how much potential power the system can produce. The letters stand for Kilowatts. Kilo means thousand and Watt is the name of the measurement for a standard unit of electricity. Fun fact: you’ll notice in the abbreviation that the k is in lowercase, while the W is in capitals. This is because Watt is the surname of James Watt, from whom the unit takes its name.
The PV part of the abbreviation is short for photovoltaic. Photo Voltaic is a fancy way of saying 'energy created from light'. In the UK there are two basic devices referred to as solar panels. PV or photovoltaic and solar thermal. PV cells, as we said, create electricity from light, while solar thermal panels use the sun's thermal energy to heat water. In simple terms then, when we talk about 2kW, 3kW, or 12kW PV all we mean is that the system can produce that many kilo Watts of electricity from the sun.
Who is a 2kW Solar Panel System for?
As mentioned, a 2kW solar PV system is on the small side for a solar system. The simple answer is smaller homes and houses, but there are other uses for a 2kW solar PV system too. If you live alone or as a couple and live in a smaller place ideally located for a solar system, then a 2kW solar PV system could meet all your needs. However, a 2kW solar PV system could also be useful if you are planning to increase your energy usage:
- Powering your garage
- Powering a summer house or outbuilding
- Running your garden lighting, pond filter, or swimming pool filters, etc.
- Providing partial power for a property without the space for a larger system
- Powering an off-grid eco home or holiday home
- EV charging
What can Improve the Efficiency of a 2kw Solar PV System?
It’s possible to mitigate the challenges posed by a 2kW PV solar system and here are a few ways to make the most of a smaller system.
Upgrading your system
Adding devices like solar storage (batteries), microinverters, and solar trackers can help.
Solar storage: allows you to save power generated when the house is empty for use later in the day.
Micro investors: can prevent your panels from losing power caused by moments of shade.
Automatic solar trackers: make sure your solar panels are in constant direct sunlight.
Lifestyle changes
The climate crisis is a key reason people switch to solar power. If this is important to you, then ask yourself if you're ready to make a few personal sacrifices to conserve power. Little shifts like showering instead of taking baths, using less heating, and filling a thermos flask to keep boiled water hot can all add up.
Switching to more efficient appliances
Concern over the environment is now a global issue. This means most new technology has efficiency at its core. Updating your old appliances for new greener models is a simple way to squeeze more energy out of even the smallest arrays.
Getting the best panels and system
Not all solar panels are equal. The efficiency varies and the swing is as high as 15%. For the best chance for your system make sure you check the reviews on different panels and components. Remember, not every 2kW solar PV system is the same.
2kW Solar Panel Price - How much does a 2kW Solar PV System Cost?
As discussed above, there are a lot of different systems to choose from and the price varies. As a rough guide DIY bare-bones kits start as low as £1,500. However, unless you have extensive experience in installing electrical systems it’s best to avoid this route. The cheapest pro-installed 2kW solar arrays come in around £3,500 but don’t expect any bells or whistles at this price point.
There’s no real price ceiling for a 2kW PV solar system. If you have deep pockets, you can find an ultra-efficient 2kW system with solar storage and high-end components for a figure around the £7,000 mark. In the solar world efficiency is everything and you won’t be surprised to hear that the more money you spend the closer to a true 2kW output you’ll get. The good news is that solar systems tend to be somewhat modular. This means should you need extra power you can expand your system rather than have to start again. Although this may necessitate a change out of the inverter.
Can you get a Payback Period on your 2kW PV Solar System Investment?
Let’s assume you spend £4000 on your 2kW solar system. Now, it’s obvious that your new solar system will save you money on your energy bills. Even if your system only covers half of your current usage that’s going to represent a huge saving, but the good news doesn’t stop there. In addition to lower energy bills, you can also benefit from a government scheme known as the Smart Export Guarantee or SEG as it’s also known. Under SEG, solar owners can sell any excess energy back to the national grid. The amount you earn varies and some providers pay more than others, so it’s a good idea to shop around. So, taking the SEG and savings on your future bills into account, you can expect to recoup your initial £4k investment in about seven and a half years. It’s worth mentioning though, that to qualify for the Smart Export Guarantee, your 2kW PV solar system will need to be installed by an MCS-accredited supplier. You can find out more about MCS accreditation here.
It's also worth remembering the following:
- Money earned after you recoup your investment is profit!
- Energy bills will always be lower and sometimes they won’t cost you anything!
- Your solar array is shielding you from rising energy costs.
- Your initial investment is lower than a standard 4kW system, it may take longer to get a return on your investment.
- You can upgrade your system if you feel you need it.
How big is a 2kW PV Solar System? 2kW Solar Panel Size.
As we said, there are different styles of solar systems and panels, so this answer can vary. That said, a standard 2kW solar panel system needs approx. 10-14m2 of roof space. Some panels are more efficient than others and this accounts for the difference in area. If you have lots of space, it may be wiser to up the power output of your system by adding more panels. Once the scaffold is up and the installers are on your roof, adding a few extra panels isn't generally the expensive part.
In theory though, there’s no real reason why you couldn’t use the space for more, cheaper, less-efficient panels. On the other end from the panels themselves, you’ll also need space for the inverter (the device that turns the sun’s energy into electricity) and solar storage if you’re opting for it. Once again, the type of system will dictate how much space you need. However, make sure you’ve got enough room for the inverter near the consumer unit for something the size of a boiler and if you’re adding solar storage, you may need space in a garage, although there are other options.
COMPARE PRICES FROM LOCAL INSTALLERS
Compare prices from local companies fast & free
Enter your postcode to compare quotes from leading professionals. We promise to keep your information Safe & Secure. Privacy Policy
What makes up a 2kW PV Solar System?
A basic solar system is comprised of three distinct parts:
Solar panels (array)
These glass-fronted panels are fixed to the roof on racks. It’s the panels that collect the sun’s energy. There are three different variations on the market with more in development. These are monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin film. These panels have respective efficiencies of 20-24%, 16-8%, and 7-9%. Their price tends to track alongside their efficiency, and it’s not rocket surgery to work out that the lower the efficiency, the more panels are needed to generate 2kW of power.
Wiring (cables)
The energy collected by the panels flows through a network of cables to the inverter where it’s converted to electricity.
Invertor (the business end)
This is where the energy collected by the panels is turned into electrical power. Now, the electricity can be used to power your appliances, and any unused electricity can be sold to the national grid.
The Pros and Cons of a 2kW PV Solar System
Every decision we make comes with consequences. Some good, and some bad. Before committing yourself to a new solar PV system, here are a few up and downsides to consider.
Advantages of a 2kW Solar PV System:
Get an environmental boost: Solar panels produce clean renewable energy and reduce your carbon footprint.
Become Energy Independent: Solar panels shield you from price-gouging energy companies and future blackouts.
Financial incentives: The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is just one of a raft of potential incentives and schemes offered by the UK government. These subsidies are provided by local authorities, energy providers, NGOs, and even some commercial companies hoping to earn some green-washed PR.
Lower upkeep: Solar panels don’t need much maintenance. Besides routine cleaning, occasional inspections, and an annual once over they’re easy to look after. It’s worth remembering though that some elements of the system, (we’re looking at you invertor) won’t last as long as other parts like the panels themselves.
Solar systems add value to property: Solar panels are considered an asset. Even a small system like a 2kW PV solar array will add value to your home and increase its resale value. What’s not to love? Buyers see solar panels as a valuable asset and one that will save them money on energy bills.
Tariffs Change: A few years ago, SEG (Smart Export Guarantee) replaced another popular scheme called the Feed In Tariff (FIT), Although similar, the FIT incentive offered solar owners higher payouts. If history repeats itself, and spoiler alert, it will, then owners under the SEG initiative will be able to pass their valuable earnings on to new homeowners.
The long game: Solar panels come with lengthy lifespans. Guarantees often cover 25 years but it’s probable that the system will last far longer. So, in essence, as long as the sun is shining you can expect significant savings on your electricity costs.
Energy independence: Solar power offers owners a true decentralized energy source. This means that you not only consume electricity, but you also generate it. Imagine the ability to stay online despite extreme weather events or regional power outages.
Disadvantages of a 2kW Solar PV System:
Lower power generation: A 2kW solar panel system won’t produce a lot of electricity compared to larger systems. In most cases, the output won’t meet the energy needs of your home or business.
Required space: Although smaller than most arrays, a 2kW solar panel system requires a fair amount of roof or ground space. If you have limited space available, consider this a red flag.
Slow return on investment (ROI): In truth, the maths favours larger systems. Pound for pound, smaller arrays offer a lower ROI compared to bigger systems. Although you will still get your money back with a 2kW PV solar system the payback will take longer.
Reliance on the grid: With a small 2kW solar array you may find it harder to escape relying on traditional energy providers. Unless your home and appliances are as green as they come, you may find yourself forced to lean on energy from the national grid.
Solar storage: With a 2kW system, you might not be able to generate the excess energy required to store in your battery system. Make sure you discuss this with your installation company.
Maintenance: While solar panels are easier on maintenance than other electrical systems, they do need occasional cleaning and inspection. Although smaller in scale it’s unfortunate that a 2kw system won’t benefit from any discount over a bigger array.
Environmental impact: While solar energy is a renewable power source, there’s still an environmental cost when manufacturing the systems themselves.
Is a 2kW Solar PV System Worth it?
A 2kW solar PV system can be worth it in the UK, particularly if your household has low energy demand. A 2kW solar PV system can generate around 1,700-2,000 kWh per year, depending on a number of variables which should bring your bills down significantly. If we consider the rising energy prices and incentives like Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), the initial investment can be paid back in a relatively short time period whilst giving you the peace of mind of having low bills.
Its cost-effectiveness depends on the cost of the initial outlay, how your household uses electricity, and site specific variables like orientation, shade, and roof pitch. In general, it's a solid long-term investment, though larger systems often offer a quicker payback.
If you’ve read our guide and decided that a 2 kW PV solar system is right for you then head over to our installer directory and find installation companies in your area. If you think you might need something bigger, then have a look at our guide to 3kW and 4kW solar PV systems too.
Find a local installer
Welcome to the biggest directory of UK renewable energy companies
How much do Solar Panel Systems Cost? UK Prices 2024
