Solar Panels for Your Home: 10 kW or 15 kW — Which One Is Right for You?

The most common question when choosing a home solar system: "10 kW or 15 kW?" The answer depends on three things — how much electricity you consume, how much usable roof space you have, and your budget. Below are exact figures, no rounding.

What Each System Produces in Tashkent

Uzbekistan receives an average of 300 sunny days per year. Daily solar output in Tashkent varies by season (source: profileSOLAR):

On an annual basis:

• A 10 kW system produces approximately 19,400 kWh per year (average ~53 kWh/day)
• A 15 kW system produces approximately 29,100 kWh per year (average ~80 kWh/day)

How Many Panels and How Much Roof Space

DETOS installs LONGi Hi-Mo X10 (LR7-72HVD) modules — high-efficiency panels with 24.8% module efficiency and 640 W per panel. Each module measures 2,278 × 1,134 mm (2.58 m²).

Who Should Choose 10 kW

A 10 kW system is optimal for a home with monthly consumption of 600–1,200 kWh. This covers a typical family of 4–5: 1–2 air conditioners, a refrigerator, washing machine, household appliances, and lighting.

For a household consuming ~800 kWh per month, the system fully covers electricity bills during spring, summer, and autumn. In winter (December–February), daily output drops to 24.6 kWh — still enough to cover approximately 90–95% of an average family's consumption during the cold season.

One important advantage: in Uzbekistan, grid connection for systems up to 15 kW is free of charge under current legislation — meaning a 10 kW system connects to the grid at no additional cost.

Who Should Choose 15 kW

A 15 kW system suits homes with monthly consumption of 1,200–2,000+ kWh. This covers a large private home: 3 or more air conditioners, a boiler, a pool or well pump, or a combined residential and work space (workshop, office).

Even in winter, a 15 kW system outputs 36.9 kWh per day — enough to fully cover most families' daily consumption during the cold months.

In summer, the system generates 124.8 kWh per day — significantly more than most households consume. This surplus doesn't go to waste: under the Solar Home program, the government purchases excess electricity at 1,000 UZS/kWh, crediting payments monthly.

Electricity Savings: Real Numbers

Residential electricity tariffs from May 1, 2025:

• Up to 200 kWh/month — 600 UZS/kWh
• 201–500 kWh/month — 800 UZS/kWh

A family consuming 800 kWh per month without solar panels pays: 200 × 600 + 600 × 800 = 600,000 UZS/month (~$47). With a 10 kW system, that bill drops to zero during spring and summer, while summer surplus generates additional income from net metering.

Owners of systems up to 100 kW are also exempt from property tax for up to 10 years.

How to Decide

The rule is simple: take your average monthly electricity bill over the last 12 months. If consumption is consistently below 1,200 kWh — choose 10 kW. If it's higher — choose 15 kW. If you plan to expand your home or install an EV charger within 2–3 years, go straight to 15 kW: the difference in equipment cost is less than the cost of upgrading the system later.