5 kWh battery: who it is enough for and who needs more
A 5 kWh LiFePO4 module (precisely 5.12 kWh) is the most popular size for home systems. It covers a one-bedroom apartment for a full day or provides 4-8 hours of backup for a house on minimal load.
What a 5 kWh module actually powers
Usable capacity is 3.8-4.3 kWh (accounting for 80% DoD and inverter losses).
| Scenario | Load | Runtime |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum: fridge + router + lights | 200-300 W | 12-18 hours |
| Basic: + chargers + laptop | 350-500 W | 7-11 hours |
| Comfort: + TV + kettle | 500-800 W | 4-7 hours |
| Full: + pump + AC | 1500-3000 W | 1-2 hours |
Which properties it suits
1-2 bedroom apartment — great fit
Daily consumption 1.5-2.5 kWh. A 5 kWh module covers 1.5-2 days with margin.
3+ bedroom apartment — with limits
Consumption 3-4 kWh/day. One day without margin. 10 kWh is better.
House under 80 m² — borderline
3-5 kWh/day. One module gives one day on minimum. Two modules for comfort.
House 100+ m² — not enough
Need 10 kWh minimum. With heat pump — 20+ kWh.
The "start with 5 and expand" strategy
60-70% of our clients start with one module and add a second within 3-6 months.
- Lower initial cost
- Evaluate real consumption first
- Modules connect in parallel in 10 minutes
How to connect — in our battery connection guide.
5 kWh + solar panels
With solar panels, the module works as a night buffer. For a home with 2-3 kW array and 2-3 kWh nighttime consumption — one module is enough.
Comparison with larger modules
| Parameter | 5.12 kWh | 10.24 kWh | 15.36 kWh |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | 18-28K UAH | 35-55K UAH | 52-80K UAH |
| Autonomy (500 W) | 7-9 hrs | 15-18 hrs | 22-27 hrs |
| Suits | Apartment | House to 120 m² | Large house |
Brands
- Deye BOS-G 5.12 kWh: from 19,000 UAH, plastic case, CAN
- Veichi 5.12 kWh: metal IP65, 15-20% more expensive
- Felicity Solar: pairs well with Growatt and Felicity inverters
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 5 kWh enough for a house?
On minimum load — 12-18 hours. For full comfort — no, need 10-15 kWh.
How much does a 5 kWh module cost?
18,000-28,000 UAH depending on brand.
Can it connect to any inverter?
Any hybrid inverter with 48V battery input and LiFePO4 support.
How is it different from two 2.56 kWh modules?
One BMS instead of two, fewer connections, simpler install. Price is about the same.
Does 5 kWh last through the night?
At 200-400 W (fridge + router) — yes with margin. At 1000+ W — 3-4 hours.
Summary
5 kWh is an apartment for a full day, or a starting module for a larger system. Browse the 5 kWh catalog or all LiFePO4 batteries.
