Solar System Sizes in Pakistan: kW, kV and kVA Explained
In Pakistan people ask for a "5 kV", "5 kVA" or "5kW" solar system and usually mean the same thing: a system of about 5 kilowatts. Strictly, kW is real power, kVA is apparent power (mostly used for inverters), and "kV" is a voltage unit used loosely in the market. This guide clears up the terms, explains what sizes from 2kW to 100kW can run, and shows which of our packages matches each request.
Updated 12 November 2026
kW, kWp, kVA and kV in plain words
- kW (kilowatt): real power. A 5kW solar system usually means about 5kW of panels.
- kWp (kilowatt peak): the panels' rated power under test conditions; the same number as kW on a quote.
- kVA (kilovolt-ampere): apparent power, used for inverters and UPS units. Real power = kVA x power factor, so a 5kVA inverter may deliver about 4 to 5kW.
- kV (kilovolt): a voltage unit. "5 kV solar system" in the market really means about 5 kW.
- kWh (unit): energy. Your bill counts kWh, and 1kW of panels makes about 4 units a day as a yearly average.
Common sizes and what they run
- 1 to 2kW: fans, lights, TV, Wi-Fi, a fridge. Our 1.15kW packages.
- 3 to 4kW: one 1.5 ton inverter AC in daytime. Our 3.45kW packages.
- 5 to 6kW: two inverter ACs, fridge, freezer, a 1 HP pump. Our 5.75kW packages.
- 7 to 8kW: up to three ACs at partial load in a 10 marla to 1 kanal home. Our 7.5kW packages.
- 10 to 12kW: four ACs, three-phase homes and small offices, grid export possible. Our 10.35kW packages.
- 15 to 25kW: large homes, schools, clinics and offices. Our 20.7kW commercial packages.
- 50kW to 100kW: factories, cold stores and large buildings, designed project by project.
2kW and 4kW systems
A 2kW system sits between our 1.15kW and 3.45kW packages. If your load is only fans, lights and a fridge, the 1.15kW package may be enough; if you plan to add an AC later, step up to 3.45kW, because the inverter size matters as much as the panels. A 4kW request usually means one AC plus a fridge, pump and fans; the 3.45kW package covers this in strong sun, and the 5.75kW package gives headroom.
6kW, 12kW and 15kW systems
A 6kW request usually comes from homes with two ACs; our 5.75kW packages use a 6kW Growatt SPF 6000 ES Plus inverter, so they match closely. A 12kW request is close to our 10.35kW three-phase package with the 10kW Deye inverter. A 15kW system is between our 10.35kW and 20.7kW sizes; for most 15kW needs, the 20.7kW commercial package gives room to grow, while the 10.35kW package suits a tighter budget.
50kW and 100kW systems
Systems of 50kW to 100kW are commercial or industrial projects. They need a site survey, a three-phase or 11kV connection, a load flow review by the DISCO for larger sizes, and usually several large inverters. We do not sell project systems of this size, but businesses often start with one or more 20.7kW commercial packages. See the commercial solar system page (Commercial Solar Systems).
How to choose the right size
1. Add up your daytime loads in watts (AC, fridge, pump, fans, lights). 2. Check your monthly units on the bill and divide by about 120 to get kW of panels. 3. Make sure the inverter can carry your biggest running load. 4. Choose battery size for your night load and outage hours. 5. Check roof space: about 2 panels per kW.
The solar load calculation guide (Solar Load Calculation: Find the Right System Size) and the 5kW vs 10kW comparison (5kW vs 10kW Solar System: Units, Loads and Phase Compared) help with the details.
