Energy Generation Formula:
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Definition: This calculator estimates the electrical energy generated by solar panels based on their area, solar irradiance, system efficiency, and time period.
Purpose: It helps homeowners, solar installers, and energy professionals estimate solar power output for system sizing and energy production analysis.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the total energy by multiplying the solar resource (irradiance) by the panel area, system efficiency, and exposure time.
Details: Accurate energy generation estimates are crucial for system design, financial analysis, and understanding potential energy savings from solar installations.
Tips: Enter the panel area in m², solar irradiance (default 1000 W/m² for peak sun), system efficiency (default 0.18 or 18%), and time period in hours. All values must be > 0.
Q1: What is typical solar panel efficiency?
A: Most commercial panels range from 15-22% efficiency. Higher efficiency panels cost more but require less space.
Q2: How do I find solar irradiance for my location?
A: Use solar maps or databases like NASA's POWER or NREL's PVWatts for location-specific data.
Q3: Does this account for real-world conditions?
A: This is an ideal calculation. Real-world output may be 10-25% lower due to temperature, dirt, and other factors.
Q4: How do I convert Watt-hours to kWh?
A: Divide the result by 1000 (1 kWh = 1000 Wh).
Q5: What's the difference between W and Wh?
A: Watts (W) measure power (instantaneous), Watt-hours (Wh) measure energy (power × time).