Solar Power Calculator kWh (South Africa)

Solar Power Equation:

\[ E = A \times I \times \eta \times t \]

Panel Area (A):

m²

Solar Irradiance (I):

kW/m²

Efficiency (η):

Time (t):

hours

Energy Output (E):

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From:	To:

1. What is the Solar Power Equation?

The Solar Power Equation estimates energy output from solar panels based on panel area, solar irradiance, panel efficiency, and time. It provides a fundamental calculation for solar energy production, particularly relevant for South African conditions.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Solar Power Equation:

\[ E = A \times I \times \eta \times t \]

Where:

\( E \) — Energy output (kWh)
\( A \) — Panel area (m²)
\( I \) — Solar irradiance (kW/m²)
\( \eta \) — Panel efficiency (%)
\( t \) — Time (hours)

Explanation: The equation calculates the total energy produced by solar panels by multiplying panel area by solar irradiance, efficiency factor, and time duration.

3. Importance of Solar Energy Calculation

Details: Accurate solar energy calculation is crucial for system sizing, energy production forecasting, return on investment analysis, and optimizing solar installations in South Africa's abundant sunshine conditions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter panel area in square meters, solar irradiance in kW/m² (typical South African values range from 4-6 kW/m²/day), efficiency as percentage, and time in hours. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is typical solar irradiance in South Africa?
A: South Africa has excellent solar resources with average daily irradiance ranging from 4-6 kWh/m²/day, among the highest in the world.

Q2: What are typical efficiency values for solar panels?
A: Commercial solar panels typically have efficiencies between 15-22%, with premium panels reaching up to 24% efficiency.

Q3: How does temperature affect solar panel performance?
A: Solar panel efficiency decreases as temperature increases. Most panels lose about 0.3-0.5% efficiency per degree Celsius above 25°C.

Q4: Are there seasonal variations in solar output?
A: Yes, solar output varies seasonally due to changes in sun angle, day length, and weather patterns. Winter months typically produce less energy.

Q5: What other factors affect real-world solar production?
A: Shading, panel orientation, tilt angle, dust accumulation, inverter efficiency, and system losses all affect actual energy production.