1. What is a Solar Power Generation Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the daily energy production of solar panels based on their power rating, sunlight hours, and system efficiency.

Purpose: It helps homeowners and solar installers determine how much electricity a solar panel system can generate under specific conditions.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( E_{kWh} \) — Energy produced (kilowatt-hours per day)
• \( P_w \) — Solar panel power rating (watts)
• \( t_{sun} \) — Peak sunlight hours per day
• \( \eta_{solar} \) — System efficiency factor (0-1)

Explanation: The panel's wattage is multiplied by sunlight hours and efficiency, then divided by 1000 to convert to kWh.

3. Importance of Solar Energy Calculation

Details: Accurate energy production estimates are crucial for sizing solar systems, calculating ROI, and meeting energy needs.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the panel's rated power in watts, average daily sunlight hours, and system efficiency (default 0.75). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are peak sunlight hours?
A: The equivalent hours of full sun intensity your location receives daily, accounting for weather and seasonal variations.

Q2: Why is efficiency less than 1?
A: Real-world factors like temperature, wiring losses, and inverter efficiency reduce output below theoretical maximums.

Q3: How do I find sunlight hours for my area?
A: Use solar maps or databases from NASA or NREL that provide location-specific averages.

Q4: Is this for a single panel or entire system?
A: The calculation is per panel. Multiply by number of panels for total system output.

Q5: Does this include battery storage losses?
A: No, this calculates production only. Storage systems would have additional efficiency factors.