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Solar Panel kWh Formula:
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The solar panel kilowatt-hour (kWh) calculation estimates the energy production of a solar panel system based on its wattage, operating hours, and efficiency. This helps in understanding potential energy generation and system sizing.
The calculator uses the following equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation converts watts to kilowatts (dividing by 1000), then multiplies by operating hours and system efficiency to estimate energy production.
Details: Accurate kWh estimation is crucial for sizing solar systems, predicting energy savings, calculating return on investment, and matching energy production with consumption needs.
Tips: Enter panel wattage in watts, hours of operation, and system efficiency (default is 0.85). All values must be positive numbers (efficiency between 0 and 1).
Q1: What's a typical efficiency value for solar systems?
A: Most residential systems operate at 75-85% efficiency (0.75-0.85) due to factors like temperature, wiring losses, and inverter efficiency.
Q2: How many hours should I use for daily calculation?
A: Use "peak sun hours" for your location, which accounts for varying sunlight intensity. Average is 4-6 hours in most regions.
Q3: Why convert watts to kilowatts?
A: Utility companies bill in kilowatt-hours, so this conversion makes energy production estimates directly comparable to your electricity bill.
Q4: Does this account for seasonal variations?
A: No, this is a simple calculation. For accurate annual estimates, use monthly sun hour data and average them.
Q5: Can I use this for battery sizing?
A: This gives energy production estimates, but battery sizing requires additional factors like depth of discharge and days of autonomy.