A 5kW solar system is one of the most common setups for homes in Karachi.
But what does 5kW actually mean?
In simple terms, it’s a solar power system that can produce 17–20 units of electricity per day, which adds up to 510–600 units per month under Karachi’s sunny conditions.
This amount of power is enough to run most household needs. A 5kW system can cover:
- 8–10 fans
- LED lights
- 1 refrigerator
- 1 washing machine
- Inverter 1–2 air conditioners (for a few hours daily)
- Smaller devices like TVs, laptops, and chargers
However, it’s important to note that using all of these appliances together at the same time may not always be possible.
The system can easily handle normal daily use, but heavy appliances like multiple air conditioners should be managed carefully.
It covers the electricity needs of a middle-class family. Moreover, it also balances cost, space, and savings.
Many households with KE bills of Rs. 25,000–35,000 every month find 5kW perfect. It cuts bills by up to 80% and offers a fast return on investment.
Without further ado, let’s explore the price, savings, and ROI.
- 5kW Solar System Price in Karachi (2025)
- Hybrid 5kW Solar System in Karachi
- On-Grid 5kW Solar System in Karachi
- How Many Panels Do You Need for 5kW?
- Rooftop Space Needed for 5kW
- Power Production of a 5kW System in Karachi
- Savings with a 5kW Solar System
- ROI (Return on Investment)
- Net Metering with KE (2025 Update)
- Is 5kW Right for You?
- FAQs
5kW Solar System Price in Karachi (2025)
The cost of a solar system in Karachi is never fixed. Prices vary because of factors like:
- Brand of panels and inverter
- On-grid/Off-grid or hybrid choice
- Mounting structure and wiring quality
- Import duties and government policies
- KE net metering approval and installation charges
Keeping these in mind, here is the latest price range for 5kW systems in Karachi:
| System Type | Price in Karachi (2025) |
|---|---|
| On-Grid | Rs. 750,000 – Rs. 800,000 |
| Hybrid | Rs 850,000 – Rs 950,000 |
On-grid systems are cheaper because they don’t include batteries. Hybrid systems cost more since they include backup storage.
Hybrid 5kW Solar System in Karachi
A hybrid solar system combines solar panels with both the national grid and batteries.
It powers your home during the day, stores extra energy in batteries, and automatically switches to backup when there is load shedding.
This makes it ideal for Karachi families who want both bill savings and reliable backup power.
PRICE RANGE: RS 850,000 – RS 950,000 (Prices may vary depending on system complexity and battery preferences)
Best Batteries (with Price Ranges)
- Pylontech (5.12 kWh LiFePO₄): Rs. 150,000 – Rs. 180,000
- Pylontech UP5000 (4.8 kWh): Rs. 225,000 – Rs. 340,000
- Other Lithium Options (e.g., Narada, Inverex, ZIEWNIC): Rs. 185,000 – Rs. 320,000
Lithium batteries are pricier but last longer and charge faster.
Lead-acid tubular options are cheaper, but don’t quote widely available price ranges—just know they cost significantly less.
Best Hybrid Inverters (with Price Ranges)
- Growatt 5kW Hybrid: Rs. 280,000 – Rs. 320,000
- GoodWe G3 Hybrid 5kW: Rs. 280,000 – Rs. 320,000
- Inverex Hybrid: Rs. 170,000 – Rs. 300,000
- SolarMax Hybrid: Rs. 150,000 – Rs. 270,000
These inverters help you run appliances even during load shedding—but expect these higher costs. (Inverter cost is included in the hybrid solar package always)
A hybrid 5kW system is the right choice if you want peace of mind during load shedding, along with strong bill savings.
However, it costs more because of batteries, but in return, you get reliable backup and energy independence.
Read: Best Affordable Solar Inverter Under PKR 200,000 in Karachi
On-Grid 5kW Solar System in Karachi
An on-grid solar system connects your solar panels directly to KE’s electricity network without batteries.
It reduces your monthly bill by using solar power first and then exporting extra units through net metering.
However, it does not work during load shedding, since it depends fully on the grid.
PRICE RANGE: RS 750,000 – RS 800,000
Best On-Grid Inverters (with Price Ranges)
- GoodWe GW5000 On-Grid: Rs. 355,500
- Growatt 5kW On-Grid: Rs. 205,000
- Solis 5kW: Rs. 90,000 – Rs. 160,000
- Huawei SUN2000: Rs. 160,000 – Rs. 300,000
- Sungrow SH5K: Rs. 150,000 – Rs. 250,000
- Knox KDS 5K: Rs. 140,000 – Rs. 230,000
These inverters are ideal if you want to save on bills and don’t need backup power. (Inverter cost is included in the 5kW Solar Package always)
An on-grid 5kW system is the best choice if your goal is to reduce monthly KE bills at the lowest possible upfront cost.
While it does not provide backup, net metering offers significant savings for families that use energy consistently during the day.
How Many Panels Do You Need for 5kW?
The number of panels depends on the wattage of each panel.
Most installers in Karachi now use 500W to 550W panels because they are efficient and need less roof space.
| Panel Wattage | Panels Needed |
|---|---|
| 450W | 11-12 |
| 500W | 10 |
| 550W | 9-10 |
A 5kW setup requires 9 to 12 panels, depending on their size.
Read: Monocrystalline vs Polycrystalline Solar Panels: Which is Better for Karachi?
Rooftop Space Needed for 5kW
Before installing solar panels, be sure to check if your rooftop has sufficient free space.
Each panel occupies approximately 24 to 25 square feet. Installers also require space between panels and a walkway for cleaning and maintenance.
In Karachi, most experts recommend 500–600 sq. ft. for a 5kW system.
However, if your rooftop has shade from nearby buildings or water tanks, you may need to adjust the layout.
Read: 5 Signs You’re Ready to Install a Solar System at Home in Karachi
Power Production of a 5kW System in Karachi
Karachi enjoys sunshine for most of the year, making it ideal for solar energy.
A 5kW system in this city produces, on average:
| Daily Output | Monthly Output |
|---|---|
| 17–20 kWh/day | 510–600 units |
This amount of energy can run most household appliances, including fans, lights, a refrigerator, and even air conditioners(inverter) for several hours a day.
Savings with a 5kW Solar System
The real benefit of solar is the savings on your KE bill.
A household paying Rs. 25,000 every month can reduce it to Rs. 2,000–3,000 after installing a 5kW on-grid system with net metering.
The savings depend on how much electricity you use during the day versus how much you export.
Since March 2025, the government has set the net metering buyback rate at Rs. 10 per unit.
This means you get less credit for exports compared to what you pay for imports.
With net metering at just Rs. 10/unit since March 2025, the biggest savings come from daytime self-use.
💁Here’s a table for better understanding
| Self-use: Export | Est. Monthly Saving (Rs.) |
|---|---|
| 80% : 20% | ~30,000 |
| 60% : 40% | ~24,000 |
| 50% : 50% | ~21,000 |
You save more when you consume energy while the sun is shining rather than exporting.
ROI (Return on Investment)
A 5kW system in Karachi pays for itself in just a few years thanks to high electricity tariffs and strong sunlight.
Let’s break down how long it takes before your system starts giving you free power.
| System Price | Monthly Saving | Payback Period |
|---|---|---|
| Rs. 650,000 | 22,000 – 30,000 | 1.8 – 2.3 years |
| Rs. 750,000 | 22,000 – 30,000 | 2.0 – 2.7 years |
| Rs. 800,000 | 22,000 – 30,000 | 2.2 – 3.0 years |
| Rs. 850,000 | 22,000 – 30,000 | 2.3 – 3.2 years |
| Rs. 900,000 | 22,000 – 30,000 | 2.5 – 3.4 years |
Note: The actual payback time depends on how much electricity you use directly during the day versus how much you export through net metering. Higher self-use means faster ROI.
👉 Every month after the payback period is almost pure savings, making solar one of the safest long-term investments in Karachi.
Net Metering with KE (2025 Update)
Net metering allows you to send unused power to the grid—but since March 2025, exports are credited at Rs. 10 per unit.
To apply, keep these documents ready:
- Latest KE bill
- CNIC copy
- Property ownership documents
The KE approval process usually takes 4–6 weeks, and installers often handle this for you.
Is 5kW Right for You?
A 5kW system suits homes with Rs. 25,000–35,000 monthly KE bills and 500–600 sq. ft. of roof space.
- Want backup during outages? Choose Hybrid 5kW (costs more).
- Want only bill savings? On-Grid 5kW is your best, budget-friendly option.
👉 Ready to go solar? Message Solar Karwan on WhatsApp today to avail special discounts and free solar guidance!
FAQs
1)How much does a 5kW system cost in Karachi?
On-grid: Rs. 750k–800k. Hybrid: Rs. 850k–950k.
2)How many panels are needed for a 5kW Solar System in Karachi?
9–12 panels depending on wattage.
3)How much roof space is required for a 5kW Solar System in Karachi?
500–600 sq. ft.
4)Monthly Output of a 5kW Solar System in Karachi?
The Monthly Output of a 5kW Solar System is around 510–600 units.
5)Export rate for net metering?
Rs. 10 per unit (2025).
