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Solar Energy Equation:
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The Solar Energy Calculator estimates the energy production of a solar photovoltaic system based on system size, hours of sunlight, and system efficiency. It helps in planning and evaluating solar energy systems for residential or commercial use.
The calculator uses the solar energy equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation calculates the daily energy production by multiplying the system capacity by the available sunlight hours and the system's efficiency factor.
Details: Accurate energy production estimation is crucial for sizing solar systems, calculating return on investment, determining energy savings, and planning for energy needs.
Tips: Enter system size in kilowatts, average daily sun hours, and system efficiency as a decimal (e.g., 0.85 for 85% efficiency). All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What is a typical efficiency value for solar systems?
A: Most modern solar systems have efficiencies between 15-22%, though this can vary based on panel type, temperature, and other factors.
Q2: How do I determine hours of sun for my location?
A: Use solar insolation data for your specific location, which provides average daily peak sun hours throughout the year.
Q3: Does this calculator account for seasonal variations?
A: No, this provides a daily estimate. For annual calculations, use monthly average sun hours and sum the results.
Q4: What factors affect solar system efficiency?
A: Panel quality, temperature, shading, orientation, tilt angle, inverter efficiency, and system losses all affect overall efficiency.
Q5: Can this calculator be used for battery storage planning?
A: Yes, the calculated kWh output helps determine battery capacity needed for energy storage systems.