Kwh Solar Panel Calculator

KWH Solar Panel Output Calculator

function calculateSolarOutput() { var panelWattage = parseFloat(document.getElementById('panelWattage').value); var numberOfPanels = parseFloat(document.getElementById('numberOfPanels').value); var peakSunHours = parseFloat(document.getElementById('peakSunHours').value); var deratingFactor = parseFloat(document.getElementById('deratingFactor').value); if (isNaN(panelWattage) || isNaN(numberOfPanels) || isNaN(peakSunHours) || isNaN(deratingFactor) || panelWattage <= 0 || numberOfPanels <= 0 || peakSunHours <= 0 || deratingFactor 1) { document.getElementById('result').innerHTML = 'Please enter valid positive numbers for all fields. Derating Factor should be between 0 and 1.'; return; } var totalSystemWattage = panelWattage * numberOfPanels; // Total system capacity in Watt-peak var dailyKWHOutput = (totalSystemWattage * peakSunHours * deratingFactor) / 1000; // Convert Wh to KWh var monthlyKWHOutput = dailyKWHOutput * 30.44; // Average days in a month var annualKWHOutput = dailyKWHOutput * 365; document.getElementById('result').innerHTML = '

Estimated Solar Output:

' + 'Daily KWH Output: ' + dailyKWHOutput.toFixed(2) + ' KWH' + 'Monthly KWH Output: ' + monthlyKWHOutput.toFixed(2) + ' KWH' + 'Annual KWH Output: ' + annualKWHOutput.toFixed(2) + ' KWH'; }

Understanding Your Solar Panel KWH Output

The KWH Solar Panel Output Calculator helps you estimate the amount of electricity your solar panel system can generate. Knowing your potential kilowatt-hour (KWH) output is crucial for understanding your energy savings, system sizing, and return on investment.

How the Calculator Works

This calculator uses several key factors to provide an accurate estimate of your solar system's daily, monthly, and annual energy production:

1. Individual Panel Wattage (Wp): This refers to the maximum power output of a single solar panel under ideal test conditions. Modern residential panels typically range from 300 Wp to 450 Wp or more. A higher wattage panel can produce more electricity.

2. Number of Panels: Simply put, more panels mean more electricity generation. The total system wattage is calculated by multiplying the individual panel wattage by the number of panels.

3. Average Daily Peak Sun Hours: This is a critical factor that represents the equivalent number of hours per day when sunlight intensity averages 1,000 watts per square meter. It's not just the total hours of daylight, but the hours where the sun is strong enough to allow your panels to operate near their peak capacity. This value varies significantly by geographic location, season, and local weather patterns. For example, a sunny region might have 5-6 peak sun hours, while a cloudier region might have 3-4.

4. System Derating Factor: Solar panels rarely operate at their absolute maximum efficiency in real-world conditions. The derating factor accounts for various losses, including:

   • Temperature: Panels lose efficiency as they get hotter.
   • Dust and Soiling: Accumulation of dirt, dust, and debris on the panel surface.
   • Wiring Losses: Energy lost as electricity travels through wires.
   • Inverter Efficiency: The inverter converts DC power from panels to AC power for your home, and this process involves some loss.
   • Shading: Partial or full shading from trees, chimneys, or other obstructions.
   • Panel Degradation: Panels naturally degrade slightly over time.

   A typical derating factor ranges from 0.75 (75%) to 0.85 (85%). A higher derating factor indicates a more efficient system with fewer losses.

Example Calculation

Let's consider a system with:

• Individual Panel Wattage: 400 Wp
• Number of Panels: 12
• Average Daily Peak Sun Hours: 5 hours
• System Derating Factor: 0.80 (80%)

First, calculate the total system wattage:

400 Wp/panel * 12 panels = 4800 Wp

Next, calculate the daily KWH output:

(4800 Wp * 5 hours * 0.80) / 1000 = 19.2 KWH per day

Then, the monthly KWH output:

19.2 KWH/day * 30.44 days/month = 584.45 KWH per month

And finally, the annual KWH output:

19.2 KWH/day * 365 days/year = 7008 KWH per year

Interpreting Your Results

The estimated KWH output helps you compare your system's potential generation against your household's electricity consumption. If your system generates more KWH than you consume, you might be able to sell excess electricity back to the grid (net metering), depending on your local regulations. This calculator provides a valuable starting point for planning your solar energy investment.