Solar Panels for a 5kVA Inverter

Calculate the optimal number of solar panels for your 5kVA inverter. Not too many, not too few.

Matching panels to your 5kVA inverter correctly is crucial for performance. Too few panels and you won't generate enough power. Too many and you waste money or exceed inverter limits.

Quick Answer

For a 5kVA inverter, you typically need 8-12 solar panels (550W each). The sweet spot is 10 panels (5.5kW), giving you slightly more panel capacity than inverter capacity - which is optimal for South African conditions.

Panel Configuration Options

panels	ratio	recommendation
8 panels (4.4kW)	88%	Budget option - slightly under-paneled
10 panels (5.5kW)	110%	Optimal - recommended for most
12 panels (6.6kW)	132%	Maximum - if roof space allows

panels8 panels (4.4kW)

ratio88%

recommendationBudget option - slightly under-paneled

panels10 panels (5.5kW)

ratio110%

recommendationOptimal - recommended for most

panels12 panels (6.6kW)

ratio132%

recommendationMaximum - if roof space allows

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Why Over-Panel?

Benefits of having more panels than inverter rating:

Panels rarely produce 100% rated output (clouds, angle, temperature)
More power in morning and afternoon hours
Better battery charging during shorter winter days
Compensates for panel degradation over time
Most 5kVA inverters can handle up to 7kW of panels

Check Your Inverter Specs

Important specifications to verify:

Maximum PV input: Usually 1.3-1.5x inverter size (e.g., 6.5-7.5kW for 5kVA)
Maximum input voltage: Don't exceed MPPT voltage limits
Number of MPPT trackers: Affects string configuration
String sizing: Check minimum and maximum panels per string
Parallel strings: How many strings each MPPT can handle

Common 5kVA String Configurations

config	total	notes
2 strings of 5 panels	10 panels (5.5kW)	Most common, balanced
2 strings of 4 panels	8 panels (4.4kW)	Budget option
2 strings of 6 panels	12 panels (6.6kW)	Maximum generation

config2 strings of 5 panels

total10 panels (5.5kW)

notesMost common, balanced

config2 strings of 4 panels

total8 panels (4.4kW)

notesBudget option

config2 strings of 6 panels

total12 panels (6.6kW)

notesMaximum generation

Price Disclaimer: Prices shown were verified on 29 January 2026. Prices may change without notice. We earn affiliate commissions on qualifying purchases.

All prices are in South African Rand (ZAR) unless otherwise stated. Shipping costs may apply depending on your location.

5kW Inverters How Many Panels 5kW Systems

How Many Panels for a 5kVA Inverter? FAQs

Yes, if your inverter has available PV input capacity. Most 5kVA inverters accept up to 6.5-7.5kW of panels. Check your inverter specifications for maximum PV input. Adding panels is often the cheapest upgrade to increase solar generation.

If you exceed the inverter's maximum PV input capacity, the inverter will clip (limit) the excess power - it won't damage the inverter, but you waste potential generation. If you exceed voltage limits, you can damage the inverter. Always check specs before adding panels.

Major retailers: Builders Warehouse, Makro, Takealot. Solar specialists: SolarShop, Sustainable.co.za, The Solar Warehouse. Always compare prices and check warranty support before buying.

For grid-tied systems, yes - you need a qualified electrician with COC (Certificate of Compliance). For simple off-grid setups, DIY is possible but not recommended. Poor installation is the #1 cause of solar system failures.

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