Installer Directory
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Janet Richardson

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Oct 03, 2023

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2kW Solar Panel Systems

What Is a 2kW PV Solar Panel System?

A 2kW solar PV system will cover a good portion of your energy use. Although a 2kW system is smaller than the recommended or average size system for the average household consumption, a 2kW system will subsidise your energy bills, lower your carbon footprint and generate a pay-back period.

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Even though solar panel systems are produced by a whole range of different manufacturers, the basic principles remain the same. Each solar panel system is made up of a set of solar panels. The solar panels themselves consist of many solar cells that have been grouped together. This allows the solar cells to work together and convert energy from the sun into power.

The 2kW solar panel system is different in the sense that its output rate is different from those provided by other, larger, systems. The annual electricity generated is expected to be around 1,88kWh. If you are interested in 3kW systems instead, click here

How Much Does a 2kW PV Solar Panel System Cost?

The regular 2kW solar panel system tends to require around 10-14m2 of roof space, and this usually starts from approximately £3,250 in the UK. However, it is best to speak to a professional installer, as they will be able to determine the final price, which takes the size of your roof and possible complications into consideration. Until then, it is best to keep around £4,000 aside for the purchase and installation of a 2kW solar panel system.

How Do I Get the Most out of My PV Solar Panels System?

The efficiency of a solar panel system is strongly tied to the geographical location it has been installed in as well as the angling of your roof, or the installation surface if you are installing it elsewhere. However, any installer with experience should be able to easily determine the best location for your solar panels to be placed. It is important to keep in mind that any trees or buildings that are shading your roof will prevent your panels from reaching their full potential.

How Do I Get a Return from My Solar Panels System?

Taking into consideration that you are likely to have spent a minimum of £4,000 on this investment, it is safe to say that you would probably like to see some sort of return on your investment. In order for this to happen, you must first ensure that the installer you choose is MCS accredited. If they are, then you will be able to benefit from the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), which pays you for the excess energy you sell back to your energy provider.

Here are a few positive financial considerations:

  • 2kW systems have a payback period of approx. 7.5 years, which is very short compared to most others
  • You’ll be making a profit on your investment after the payback period.
  • Your energy bills will be lower, giving you peace of mind moving forward. 
  • You're protecting yourself from future price increase
  • 2kW solar panels system installed by an MCS certified supplier will earn you approx. 3-15 pence per kWh that you send back to your energy company depending on the agreed tariff. T&C's apply. 
  • Your initial investment will be lower than a standard 4kW system but the ROI may be also longer. 
     

The advantages of a 2kW solar PV system:

Environmental Benefits: Solar panels produce clean energy, which reduces your carbon footprint. 

Energy Independence: Solar panels provide a degree of energy independence because they generate electricity on-site. This can make you less susceptible to power outages and future price increase.

Financial Incentives: The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is an incentive initiated by the UK government and paid by energy providers that can help offset the initial cost of the system.

Low Operating Costs: Solar panels generally require minimal maintenance. Routine cleaning and occasional inspections are usually all that's needed. Keep in mind the inverter may not last as long as the panels.

Increased Property Value: Solar panel installations can increase the resale value of your home. Buyers often see solar panels as a valuable feature that can save them money on electricity bills.

Long-Term Savings: Solar panels have a long lifespan, typically 25 years but often much longer, and most come with warranties to guarantee their performance. During this time they can provide significant savings on electricity costs.

Energy Security: Solar power is a decentralized energy source, which means that you are co-generating electircity. This can be particularly important during extreme weather events or power outages.

The disadvantages of a 2kW solar PV system:

Limited power generation: A 2kW solar panel system produces a small amount of electricity compared to larger systems. This likely will not meet the energy needs of a larger home or business..

Space requirements: Even a 2kW solar panel system requires a significant amount of roof or ground space. If you have limited space available, this may be a show stopper. 

Lower return on investment (ROI): Smaller systems typically have a lower ROI compared to larger systems. The payback period may be longer, and the overall financial benefits may not be as attractive.

Installation costs per watt: Smaller systems often have higher installation costs per watt of capacity due to fixed costs associated with labour and equipment like scaffolding. 

Limited energy production: It is likely that with a smaller system, you will have a higher reliance on electricity from the grid.

Batteries: If you have a 2kW system, you may not generate excess energy to store in a battery system.

Maintenance costs: While solar panels generally require minimal maintenance, smaller systems still require occasional cleaning and inspection. These maintenance costs may not be proportionally lower for a smaller system.

Lower environmental impact: While solar energy is generally considered environmentally friendly, a smaller system may have a relatively smaller environmental impact compared to a larger installation. If environmental sustainability is a primary goal, a larger system may be more effective.

In conclusion:

A 2kW solar PV system is often a great investment, especially considering the sharp increase in energy costs. That said, as a general rule, if you have the space and the cash then going for a larger system is often the best course of action. 

Feel free to drop us an email using the 'Contact Us' form or give us a call on the number in the header; we're not selling you anything and are always happy to help. Alternatively, fill out one of our forms or click here for our directory of approved installers.

 

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