Energy Calculation Formula:
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The Solar Panel Energy Calculator estimates the energy output of solar panels based on their wattage, operating hours, and efficiency. This tool helps UK residents understand potential energy generation from solar installations.
The calculator uses the energy calculation formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates energy output in kilowatt-hours by multiplying panel wattage by operating hours and efficiency, then dividing by 1000 to convert to kWh.
Details: Accurate energy calculation is crucial for sizing solar installations, estimating energy savings, and determining return on investment for solar panel systems in the UK climate.
Tips: Enter panel wattage in Watts, operating hours in hours, and efficiency as a percentage. All values must be positive numbers for accurate calculation.
Q1: What is typical solar panel efficiency in the UK?
A: Most residential solar panels in the UK have efficiencies between 15-22%, with premium panels reaching up to 23-24%.
Q2: How many hours of sunlight can I expect in the UK?
A: UK sunlight hours vary by season and location, ranging from 1-2 hours in winter to 6-8 hours in summer, with southern regions generally receiving more sunlight.
Q3: Why divide by 1000 in the formula?
A: The division by 1000 converts watt-hours to kilowatt-hours (kWh), which is the standard unit for electricity billing in the UK.
Q4: What factors affect solar panel efficiency?
A: Efficiency is affected by panel quality, temperature, shading, orientation, tilt angle, and cleanliness of the panels.
Q5: Is this calculation accurate for UK weather conditions?
A: This provides a theoretical maximum. Actual output will be lower due to weather conditions, cloud cover, and other environmental factors specific to the UK climate.