1. What is W/m²?

W/m² (watts per square meter) is a unit of power density or irradiance, measuring the amount of power (in watts) received per unit area (in square meters).

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

Where:

• \( W/m² \) — Power density (watts per square meter)
• \( Power \) — Total power in watts
• \( Area \) — Surface area in square meters

Explanation: This calculation shows how concentrated or spread out a given power is over a specific area.

3. Importance of W/m² Calculation

Details: W/m² is crucial in fields like solar energy (measuring solar irradiance), heating systems, lighting design, and electromagnetic field measurements.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter power in watts and area in square meters. Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical W/m² value for sunlight?
A: At Earth's surface, maximum solar irradiance is about 1000 W/m² on a clear day at noon.

Q2: How does W/m² relate to intensity?
A: W/m² directly measures intensity - higher values mean more concentrated power over the area.

Q3: Can W/m² be converted to other units?
A: Yes, 1 W/m² = 0.0001 W/cm² = 0.001 kW/m².

Q4: What's the difference between W/m² and lux?
A: W/m² measures total power, while lux measures visible light intensity as perceived by the human eye.

Q5: How is W/m² used in solar panel calculations?
A: Solar panel output is often rated at 1000 W/m² standard test conditions (STC).