2kW Solar System: The Perfect Fit for Small Households

onsidering going solar with a smooth start? Then, a 2kW solar system may be exactly what you are looking for. Of course, you'll likely have a lot of questions, like the price of the system and if it can free you from grid dependence. You'll find answers to these and some other questions below.

How Much Energy Does a 2kW Solar System Generate?

A typical American household consumes 886 kilowatt-hours of electricity monthly¹, while an average 2kW solar system produces around 240 kilowatt-hours per month, which is about 30% of the total electricity needs. However, keep in mind that the amount of electricity your solar system can produce varies hugely depending on the location. For example, a 2 kW solar system in California will generate about 30 percent more electricity than a 2 kW system in New York. What is more, your roof characteristics, like angle, orientation, material, etc., also have a great impact on panel performance.

What Does a 2 kW Solar Kit Include?

To have a clear picture of your potential purchase, let’s see what is included with a 2kW solar system:

• solar panels generating about 240 kilowatt-hours monthly (depending on the area);
• DC-to-AC inverter or micro-inverters;
• racking system and attachments;
• hardware like wiring and cables;
• permit plans and instructions;
• product and performance warranty.

How Many Panels Does a 2kW Solar System Have?

A 2kW solar system typically consists of 8 panels, each made of 250 Watt modules. The modules measure approximately 1.6 meters by 1 meter. So, for a 2-kilowatt rooftop solar system with 8 solar panels, you will need at least 13 square meters of roof space suitable for a photovoltaic installation.

Of course, it is possible to choose PV modules with other capacities, such as 12 x 165 Watt or 5 x 415 Watt solar panels. Remember, the higher the wattage, the larger the size, but in the case of a high capacity, you will apparently need fewer modules.

How Much Will a 2-Kilowatt Solar System Cost?

As of 2025, the average cost of a residential solar photovoltaic (PV) system in the United States is approximately $2.56 per watt before incentives, according to data from EnergySage². That being said, the 2kW solar system price would be roughly $3,584 after the Federal Solar Tax Credit, which currently equals 30% of the costs of installing a PV system. And this is the price without any additional state rebates and incentives (check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency).

Will a 2-Kilowatt Solar System Save Ypu Money?

The payback period for a 2kW solar system is between 4 and 7.5 years. With the lifespan of photovoltaic modules reaching 25-30 years, it is easy to see the potential savings on bills by generating solar power in addition to electricity from the grid. Thus, the significant upfront cost of a photovoltaic investment pays off in the long run. 

Your savings will depend, in particular, on the quality of your PV equipment. Higher-quality PV systems can generate more power over the long term, leading to greater savings despite their above-average initial price.

Is a 2000W Solar Kit a Good Choice for Off-Grid Independence?

A 2kW solar system off grid option may not be as appealing as higher capacity kits since this system typically offsets only 20-40% of the total electricity usage. Achieving total self-sufficiency from the power grid with a 2-kilowatt solar system is possible, but only in a small household with little electricity needs. Still, if your energy consumption is average or below, a 2-kilowatt PV panel installation can be the best first step toward your solar sustainability. A 2kW solar panel system can give you the full benefits of going solar, and you can always add to it in the future.

¹https://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.php?id=97

²https://www.energysage.com/local-data/solar-panel-cost/?utm_source=chatgpt.com