Solar Production Calculator UK

Solar Production Equation:

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

Panel Area (A):

m²

Solar Irradiance (I):

kW/m²

Efficiency (η):

Time (t):

hours

Energy Production (E):

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From:	To:

1. What is the Solar Production Equation?

The Solar Production Equation calculates the energy output from solar panels based on panel area, solar irradiance, system efficiency, and time. It provides an estimate of how much electricity a solar panel system can generate in the UK climate conditions.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Solar Production equation:

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

Where:

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

Explanation: The equation calculates total energy production by multiplying panel area by solar irradiance, system efficiency, and time period.

3. Importance of Solar Production Calculation

Details: Accurate solar production estimation is crucial for sizing solar systems, calculating return on investment, and planning energy usage for residential and commercial solar installations in the UK.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter panel area in square meters, solar irradiance in kW/m² (UK average is approximately 0.9-1.1 kW/m²), system 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 the UK?
A: The UK receives average solar irradiance of 0.9-1.1 kW/m², varying by season and location with southern regions receiving more sunlight.

Q2: What is typical efficiency for solar panels?
A: Modern solar panels typically have efficiencies between 15-22%, with system efficiency (including inverters and losses) around 75-85% of panel efficiency.

Q3: How does season affect solar production?
A: Solar production varies significantly by season in the UK, with summer months producing 3-4 times more energy than winter months due to longer days and higher sun angles.

Q4: Are there government incentives for solar in the UK?
A: Yes, the UK offers various incentives including the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) which pays for exported electricity, and VAT relief on solar installations.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation for real-world conditions?
A: This provides a theoretical maximum. Real-world production may be 10-20% lower due to shading, dirt, temperature effects, and other system losses.