1. What is a Solar PV Output Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the energy output of a photovoltaic (PV) system based on its size, performance ratio, and solar radiation.

Purpose: It helps solar energy professionals and homeowners predict how much electricity a solar panel system will generate.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• Output — Energy production (kWh)
• kWp — System size in kilowatt-peak (kWp)
• Performance Ratio — System efficiency factor (typically 0.75)
• Solar Radiation — Available solar energy (kWh/m²)

Explanation: The system size is multiplied by the performance ratio (accounting for losses) and the available solar radiation to estimate energy production.

3. Importance of PV Output Calculation

Details: Accurate output estimation helps in system sizing, financial planning, and evaluating solar investment returns.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the system size in kWp, performance ratio (default 0.75), and solar radiation for your location. All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is kWp?
A: Kilowatt-peak (kWp) is the rated output of a solar panel system under standard test conditions (STC).

Q2: What's a typical performance ratio?
A: Most systems have a performance ratio between 0.70-0.80, with 0.75 being a common default value.

Q3: Where can I find solar radiation data?
A: Use local meteorological data or tools like NASA's POWER database or PVGIS for location-specific values.

Q4: Does this account for seasonal variations?
A: No, this provides a single calculation. For annual estimates, use average annual solar radiation.

Q5: What factors affect performance ratio?
A: Temperature, shading, dirt, wiring losses, inverter efficiency, and other system losses all impact the performance ratio.