1. What is Solar Panel kWh Calculation?

The Solar Panel kWh Calculation estimates the energy output from solar panels in kilowatt-hours (kWh) based on panel wattage, operating hours, and efficiency factor. This is particularly useful for solar energy planning in South African conditions.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the solar panel energy formula:

Where:

• \( Panel\ W \) — Panel wattage (Watts)
• \( Hours \) — Operating hours (hours)
• \( Efficiency \) — Efficiency factor (dimensionless, 0-1)

Explanation: The formula calculates energy production by multiplying panel power by operating hours and efficiency, then converting to kilowatt-hours by dividing by 1000.

3. Importance of Solar Energy Calculation

Details: Accurate energy calculation is crucial for solar system sizing, cost estimation, and energy production forecasting in South African solar projects.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter panel wattage in Watts, operating hours in hours, and efficiency as a decimal between 0-1. All values must be valid positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical efficiency value for solar panels?
A: Most commercial solar panels have efficiency ratings between 0.15-0.22 (15%-22%).

Q2: How many hours of sunlight should I use for calculation?
A: In South Africa, average daily sunlight hours range from 4.5-6.5 hours depending on location and season.

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.

Q4: Does this account for weather conditions?
A: No, this is a basic calculation. Actual output may vary due to weather, temperature, shading, and panel orientation.

Q5: Is this calculation specific to South Africa?
A: While the formula is universal, the calculator is designed with South African solar conditions in mind.