1. What is a Solar PV Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the power output of a photovoltaic (PV) system based on panel size, solar irradiance, and system efficiency.

Purpose: It helps solar installers, engineers, and homeowners determine the potential power generation of solar panels.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( P \) — PV Output (Watts)
• \( S \) — Size of PV system (square meters)
• \( I \) — Solar irradiance (Watts per square meter)
• \( \eta \) — System efficiency (dimensionless, between 0 and 1)

Explanation: The size is multiplied by irradiance to get theoretical maximum power, then multiplied by efficiency to account for real-world losses.

3. Importance of PV Output Calculation

Details: Accurate power estimation helps in system sizing, energy production forecasting, and return on investment calculations.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the PV system size in m², solar irradiance (default 1000 W/m² for standard test conditions), and efficiency (default 0.18 or 18%). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is typical solar panel efficiency?
A: Most commercial panels range from 15-22% efficiency, with premium models reaching up to 23%.

Q2: How do I find solar irradiance for my location?
A: Use solar maps or databases like NASA's POWER or PVWatts for location-specific data.

Q3: Does this include system losses?
A: The efficiency factor should account for all system losses including temperature, wiring, and inverter losses.

Q4: Can I use this for battery sizing?
A: This calculates instantaneous power, not energy. For battery sizing, you'll need to consider daily energy production and consumption.

Q5: What's the difference between STC and real-world performance?
A: Standard Test Conditions (STC) use 1000 W/m² at 25°C. Real-world performance is typically 10-20% lower due to temperature and other factors.