What is a 3kW solar system?
A 3kW solar system can be envisioned as a miniature solar power station, primarily designed for domestic use or small-scale stores. It consists of a number of solar panels, an inverter, racking, wires, and junction boxes.
How to run a 3KW solar system
The 3kW solar system works on a very simple principle: when the sunlight falls on these solar panels, electrons are liberated in the solar panels to produce an electric current. This current is further transformed into usable alternating current via an inverter. During sunny days, the solar panels not only generate electricity but also charge the batteries, and when the sun is absent, these batteries discharge and continue supplying power to the house.
It is economical and practical to use a 3-kilowatt solar system for a family. It saves you on your electricity bills besides benefiting the environment by lowering down carbon emissions. Thus, it is completely safe and environment-friendly to use. However, a 3-kilowatt system is not enough, if you want to run electric-consuming appliances like air-conditioners, water pumps, and irons at the same time. You may want to consider a higher wattage system, for example, a 5 or 10-kilowatt system.
The average price of 3kW solar system in Pakistan
The standard average cost of a 3kW solar system across Pakistan is from Rs. 400,000 to Rs. 700,000, depending on various factors such as type of the system, quality of the modules, installation location, and so on. Further, we will analyze the cost of other solar systems if you are looking for the most economical solar systems in Pakistan. Read on!
1. Grid-connected 3kW solar system
Grid-connected solar systems ensure their own efficient operation through the nearby power grid. They are connected to the public grid and use the grid as a "virtual battery" to store their extra power. In the net metering mechanism, the system counts all the electricity sent back to the grid, and customer compensation is granted accordingly. The cheapest and most reliable solar grid-connected systems are provided by Jue Jue Group in Pakistan, ensuring you get value for your money.
2. Hybrid 3kW solar system
This is a rough price estimate for a 3kW solar hybrid system, as the type of system and configuration will, of course, affect the pricing. Prices start somewhere between PKR 360,000 and 475,000. For off-grid or hybrid inverter systems with batteries, costs go up to about PKR 510,000.
3. off-grid 3kW solar system
The off-grid systems are the ones that are connected with batteries that store energy, thus do not require being connected with the grid. Off-grid solutions can be used as a backup in cases of power cuts and blackouts. The off-grid 3kW solar power system by Huijue Group is the most advantageous and reliable option in Pakistan.
What is the output power of a solar panel in a 3kW solar system?
In a 3kW solar system, the total power output of the solar panels is 3000 Watts. In case solar panels rated 550 W to 580 W are used, it usually requires 6 of such solar panels to achieve the total output power of 3 kW. Hence these panels are rated 550 to 580 watts each.
What can I run on a 3kW solar system?
| No. | Appliance | Power Consumption (Watts) | Daily Operating Time (Hours) | Daily Energy Consumption (kWh) |
| 1 | LED Bulbs | 5 | 10 | 0.05 |
| 2 | Laptop | 60 | 2 | 0.12 |
| 3 | TV (Average) | 150 | 2 | 0.30 |
| 4 | Refrigerator | 200 | 24 | 4.80 |
| 5 | Computer (LCD Monitor) | 100 | 4 | 0.40 |
| 6 | Washing Machine | 500 | 1 | 0.50 |
| 7 | Fans | 60 | 4 | 0.24 |
| 8 | Electric Kettle | 1500 | 0.5 | 0.75 |
| 9 | Water Pump | 200 | 2 | 0.40 |
How long can I power my 3kW solar system?
1. Daily power generation
In optimal conditions, that is 4-5 hours of peak sunlight and 80% system efficiency, the 3kW solar system can generate an average of 12-15 kWh of electricity per day. Below is the formula for the specifics of the calculation:
Daily Energy Output (kWh) = Rated Power of Solar Panel (kW) x Hours of Sunshine (h) x System Efficiency
Take, for instance, a 300 W (0.3 kW) solar panel getting an average of 5 hours of sunlight per day with an efficiency of the system being 80% (0.8):
Daily energy output = 0.3kW x 5h x 0.8 = 1.2 kWh
Therefore, under these conditions, the panel will produce approximately 1.2 kWh of electricity per day.
2. System efficiency
System efficiency considers factors such as inverter losses, temperature effects, and shadowing. Typically, the actual efficiency of the system stands between 70%-80%. Therefore, actual operation power through a 3kW solar system would be between 2.1-2.4kW.
3. Battery capacity
When designing off-grid systems, the battery capacity shall determine the duration of electricity for the system. The two main battery types used are lithium-ion and lead-acid.
Lithium-ion batteries have capacities of between 5 and 15kWh; it has high efficiency and long service life.
Lead-acid batteries range between 1.2 and 2.4 kWh in capacity; however, they are cheap, cumbersome to transport, and short-lived.
4. Power supply time calculation
Assume on the design of a 3kW solar system, the system produces 12kWh of electricity daily, choosing lithium-ion batteries with an actual capacity of 12kWh. Power supply duration would then be calculated under ideal conditions as:
Duration of supply of power in hours=Battery capacity in kWh/Load power in kW.
Assuming that the average load power in your house was 1kW, then:
For example: Power supply time=12kWh/1kW=12 hours.
In the real application, actual power supply duration will vary due to external factors like weather conditions, variations in load, and conditions of the battery. For example, daytimes that are too bright with minimal generating ability from the solar panels or too cloudy or too rainy tend to give a shorter power-supplying time in other days.
Factors affecting the cost of a 3kw solar system
Some of the common factors which determine the average price of a 3KW solar system or any other type in Pakistan are given below:
1. solar panel efficiency
The efficiency and quality of solar panels affect the system cost by a large amount. High efficiency solar panels of modern technology would always cost the higher side but they will be, in comparison, performing and lasting longer.
2. Inverter quality
The inverter converts DC power from solar panels into AC for household appliances such as ballasts. The type and quality of the inverter affect efficiency and price. High-quality inverters are usually at the high end of the price range but offer better performance and reliability. A small inverter, 1KW to 3KW single-phase, costs around PKR 1,000-1,500 against three-phase costing PKR 2,000-3,000.
3. Battery type and capacity
If an off-grid or hybrid system is chosen, the type and capacity of the battery can significantly affect the cost. Lithium batteries are expensive but have longer battery life and efficiency compared to lead-acid batteries. For a 3kW system, the minimum energy storage required would be 4.8 kWh, costing approximately PKR 7,500.
4. Installation cost
Consumers are concerned about installation costs, including the roof type, labor cost, and system cost. If roof configuration or material (slate or flat roof) requires specific installation solutions, these matters will increase installation costs. Basically, installation costs can average between Rs 1500 and Rs 2500.
5 Government measures and incentives
The Government of Pakistan has initiated measures on net metering for grid-connected and hybrid installations of solar power. According to this program should he generate surplus electricity via solar panels, this excess can be sent back to the grid for compensation. Also, The government gives tax exemption on solar equipment that gets imported, thereby reducing the cost further for the consumers.
Detailed Cost Breakdown of a 3kW Solar System
A detailed breakdown of average costs related to 3kW solar systems:
| Component | Estimated Cost Range (Pakistani Rupees) |
| Solar Panels | 25,000 – 35,000 |
| Inverter | 5,000 – 10,000 |
| Installation Hardware | 5,000 – 10,000 |
| Installation Labor | 15,000 – 25,000 |
| Permit and Inspection Fees | 2,000 – 5,000 |
| Other (Wiring, Monitoring, etc.) | 8,000 – 15,000 |
All costs together for a 3kW solar system, taking into account the components and installations, comes to 60 000-92 000 Pakistan rupees. This analysis provides a clear price for different components needed in the installation of a 3kW Solar System and, thus, helps prospective buyers make a decision on which option to go with.
Which solar system is best for yours home in Pakistan?
| System Type | Suitable Scenario | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Grid-Tied Solar System | Suitable for homes with stable grid coverage | - Lower initial investment<br>- Can sell excess power back to the grid<br>- Ideal for areas with stable power demand | - Cannot supply power during grid outages<br>- Relies on grid stability |
| Off-Grid Solar System | Suitable for remote areas or homes with unstable grid coverage | - Completely independent of the grid<br>- Ideal for areas without grid coverage<br>- Can provide power during outages | - Higher initial investment<br>- Requires regular battery maintenance |
| Hybrid Solar System | Suitable for homes requiring high reliability and backup power | - Combines the advantages of grid-tied and off-grid systems<br>- Can use battery power during outages<br>- Ideal for areas with fluctuating power demand | - Higher initial investment<br>- Increased system complexity |
Comparison: 3kW vs. other solar systems
It’s a large spec-by-spec comparison of the 3kW solar system with other common solar systems depending on recent market data and needs by the users.
1. 3kW Solar System
Scenario: for small households or users with low electricity demand.
Advantages:
- Little initial investment: 3kW systems are comparatively cheaper, with average installation costs being close to $6300, including federal solar tax credits.
- Electricity savings: Able to generate some, on AVERAGE, 260-415 kWh/month = approx. $300-$900 savings in a year!
- Environmentally friendly: Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.1 tons per year.
Disadvantages:
- Limited power output: 3kW systems would generally not cover any household power needs entirely, but can severely diminish electric bills.
- Grid-dependent: If there is a grid failure, electricity provided to the property is nil.
2. 5kW solar system
Scenario: suitable for medium-sized households or those with high electricity demand.
Advantages:
- Greater power output: can typically expect a 5kW system to generate on average 4,250kWh/yr, almost 1,700kWh more than what is expected from a 3kW system.
- Flexibility: if new electrical demands are anticipated by the household (for example, buying an electric car or adding more electrical appliances).
- Costs less to operate: while the initial investment is higher, it ties in at a slightly lower cost per watt than 3.
Disadvantages:
- Higher initial investment: The average installation cost for a 5kW system is about $8,000 to $9,000.
- Higher space requirements for installation: larger roof area, approximately 25 to 35 square meters.
Learn More About 5kw Solar System In PK
3. 1kW solar system
Scenario: for very low power demand such as small apartments or auxiliary power needs.
Advantages:
- Economical: Very low initial cost for the system, thus suitable for users with very limited budgets.
- Flexible application: Can provide power for small appliances such as LED lights, laptops, etc.
Disadvantages:
- Limited power output: A 1kW system has an average energy generation of 120kWh over a month and may not be able to meet the sum of requirements for one big household.
- Limited application: For small homes or auxiliary power needs only.
Detailed Cost Comparison
Learn More About 1kw Solar System In PK
Detailed Cost Comparison
| System Type | Average Cost (USD) | Annual Electricity Savings (USD) | Suitable Scenario | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| 3kW Solar System | 6300 | 300-900 | Small homes | Low initial investment, saves on electricity bills, environmentally friendly | Limited power output, dependent on the grid |
| 5kW Solar System | 8000-9000 | 500-1500 | Medium-sized homes | High power output, cost-effective, high flexibility | High initial investment, requires more installation space |
| 1kW Solar System | 1500-2000 | 100-300 | Small apartments | Very economical, flexible application | Limited power output, limited application scope |
Your needs in power, budget, and installation space determine the choice of the solar system. 3kW solar systems are ideal for small homes and offer great savings on electricity bills with an environmentally-friendly solution. 5kW systems are ideal for medium-sized homes, offering higher power output and greater flexibility. 1kW systems are suitable for very low power needs, such as small apartments or auxiliary power needs.
