1. What is a Solar Power Generation Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the energy production of a solar photovoltaic system based on its size, available sunlight hours, and system efficiency.

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

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( G \) — Energy generation (kWh)
• \( S \) — System size (kW)
• \( H \) — Sunlight hours (h)
• \( E \) — System efficiency (0-1)

Explanation: The system size is multiplied by peak sunlight hours and adjusted for system efficiency to estimate daily energy production.

3. Importance of Solar Generation Calculation

Details: Accurate generation estimates help determine system sizing, financial returns, and energy savings potential for solar installations.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the system size in kW, average daily sunlight hours, and system efficiency (default 0.75). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are typical efficiency values?
A: Most residential systems have 14-22% panel efficiency, but system efficiency (including losses) typically ranges 70-85% (0.7-0.85).

Q2: How do I find sunlight hours for my location?
A: Use solar insolation maps or tools like NREL's PVWatts calculator for location-specific data.

Q3: Is this daily or annual production?
A: The calculation shows production for the entered hours (typically daily). Multiply by 365 for annual estimates.

Q4: Does this include weather factors?
A: No, the sunlight hours should already account for average weather conditions in your area.

Q5: What about system degradation?
A: This calculator shows first-year production. Most systems degrade about 0.5% per year.