1. What is a Solar Panel kWh Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the daily energy production of a solar panel system based on its size, peak sun hours, and efficiency.

Purpose: It helps homeowners and solar professionals estimate potential energy generation for solar installations.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( \text{kWh} \) — Daily energy production (kilowatt-hours)
• \( \text{Size} \) — Solar system size (kilowatts)
• \( \text{Peak Hours} \) — Average daily peak sunlight hours
• \( \text{Efficiency} \) — System performance factor (0-1)

Explanation: The system size is multiplied by available sunlight hours, then adjusted for real-world efficiency losses.

3. Importance of Solar Energy Calculation

Details: Accurate energy estimates help size solar systems properly, calculate return on investment, and meet energy needs.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the system size in kW, peak sun hours (default 4.5 h), and efficiency (default 0.75). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are peak sun hours?
A: The equivalent number of hours per day when solar irradiance averages 1,000 W/m². Varies by location and season.

Q2: What's a typical efficiency value?
A: Most residential systems operate at 70-80% efficiency (0.7-0.8) due to various losses.

Q3: How do I find peak sun hours for my area?
A: Use solar maps or consult NREL data. Average US values range from 3-6 hours.

Q4: Does this include seasonal variations?
A: No, this calculates daily average. Multiply by 30 for monthly estimates.

Q5: How accurate is this estimate?
A: It provides a reasonable approximation but actual production may vary by ±15% due to weather and other factors.