1. What is a Solar Panel Energy Output Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the daily energy production of a solar panel system based on its wattage, sunlight exposure, and system efficiency.

Purpose: It helps homeowners, solar installers, and energy professionals estimate solar energy production for planning and analysis.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• Output — Daily energy production (watt-hours)
• Wattage — Rated power of solar panel(s) in watts
• Hours — Average daily peak sunlight hours
• Efficiency — System efficiency factor (0-1)

Explanation: The panel's rated power is multiplied by sunlight hours and adjusted for real-world efficiency losses.

3. Importance of Energy Output Calculation

Details: Accurate energy output estimation helps in sizing solar systems, calculating return on investment, and meeting energy needs.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter panel wattage (sum for multiple panels), average daily sunlight hours (varies by location), and system efficiency (default 0.75). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's considered good sunlight hours?
A: Most locations get 3-6 peak sunlight hours daily. Desert areas may get more, northern latitudes less.

Q2: Why is efficiency less than 1?
A: Efficiency accounts for inverter losses, temperature effects, wiring losses, and panel degradation.

Q3: How do I calculate for multiple panels?
A: Multiply a single panel's wattage by the number of panels, or calculate each panel separately.

Q4: What's a typical efficiency factor?
A: Most residential systems operate at 70-80% efficiency (0.7-0.8).

Q5: How do I convert watt-hours to kWh?
A: Divide watt-hours by 1000 (e.g., 5000 Wh = 5 kWh).