Solar Generation Calculator

Solar Generation Calculator

Enter the total rated power of your solar panel system in kilowatts (kW).

Average daily hours of direct sunlight your location receives (e.g., 4-7 hours).

Accounts for inefficiencies (e.g., temperature, shading, inverter losses). Typically 10-20%.

Number of days for which you want to calculate the total generation (e.g., 30 for a month, 365 for a year).

function calculateSolarGeneration() { var systemSizeKw = parseFloat(document.getElementById('systemSizeKw').value); var peakSunHours = parseFloat(document.getElementById('peakSunHours').value); var lossFactor = parseFloat(document.getElementById('lossFactor').value); var daysInPeriod = parseInt(document.getElementById('daysInPeriod').value); if (isNaN(systemSizeKw) || systemSizeKw <= 0) { document.getElementById('solarGenerationResult').innerHTML = 'Please enter a valid System Size (kW).'; return; } if (isNaN(peakSunHours) || peakSunHours < 0) { document.getElementById('solarGenerationResult').innerHTML = 'Please enter valid Average Peak Sun Hours.'; return; } if (isNaN(lossFactor) || lossFactor 100) { document.getElementById('solarGenerationResult').innerHTML = 'Please enter a valid System Loss Factor (0-100%).'; return; } if (isNaN(daysInPeriod) || daysInPeriod <= 0) { document.getElementById('solarGenerationResult').innerHTML = 'Please enter a valid Calculation Period (days).'; return; } var actualLossFactor = lossFactor / 100; var dailyGenerationKwh = systemSizeKw * peakSunHours * (1 – actualLossFactor); var totalGenerationKwh = dailyGenerationKwh * daysInPeriod; document.getElementById('solarGenerationResult').innerHTML = 'Estimated Total Generation: ' + totalGenerationKwh.toFixed(2) + ' kWh for ' + daysInPeriod + ' days.'; }

Understanding Your Solar Generation Potential

A solar generation calculator is an essential tool for anyone considering or already owning a solar panel system. It helps you estimate the amount of electricity your solar panels can produce over a given period, typically in kilowatt-hours (kWh). This estimation is crucial for understanding potential energy savings, system sizing, and return on investment.

How Solar Generation Works

Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity. The amount of electricity generated depends on several key factors:

• System Size (kW): This refers to the total rated power output of all your solar panels combined. A larger system generally produces more electricity.
• Average Peak Sun Hours (hours/day): This is a measure of the intensity and duration of sunlight your location receives. It's not just about how many hours the sun is visible, but how many hours it's strong enough to generate significant power. This factor varies significantly by geographic location, season, and even local weather patterns.
• System Loss Factor (%): No solar system is 100% efficient. This factor accounts for various losses, including:
  • Temperature: Panels become less efficient as they get hotter.
  • Shading: Trees, chimneys, or other obstructions can reduce output.
  • Inverter Efficiency: The device that converts DC power from panels to AC power for your home has some losses.
  • Wiring Losses: Resistance in electrical cables.
  • Dust and Dirt: Accumulation on panels reduces light absorption.
  A typical loss factor ranges from 10% to 25%.
• Calculation Period (days): This simply defines the timeframe for your calculation, whether it's a month (approx. 30 days), a year (365 days), or any other duration.

Using the Solar Generation Calculator

Our calculator simplifies the estimation process. Here's how to use it:

1. System Size (kW): Input the total capacity of your solar array. For example, a typical residential system might be 5 kW.
2. Average Peak Sun Hours (hours/day): Research the average peak sun hours for your specific location. Many online resources or solar installers can provide this data. For instance, a sunny region might average 5-6 hours, while a cloudier one might be 3-4 hours.
3. System Loss Factor (%): Use a realistic loss factor. If you're unsure, 14% is a common default for well-installed systems.
4. Calculation Period (days): Specify the number of days you want to calculate for.

Once you click "Calculate Generation," the tool will provide an estimated total electricity output in kWh for your specified period.

Example Calculation:

Let's say you have a 6 kW solar system in a location with 5.5 average peak sun hours/day, and you estimate a 15% system loss factor. You want to calculate annual generation (365 days).

• Daily Generation = 6 kW * 5.5 hours/day * (1 – 0.15) = 6 * 5.5 * 0.85 = 28.05 kWh/day
• Annual Generation = 28.05 kWh/day * 365 days = 10,238.25 kWh

This means your system could potentially generate over 10,000 kWh in a year, significantly offsetting your electricity bill.

While this calculator provides a good estimate, actual generation can vary due to real-time weather conditions, panel degradation over time, and maintenance. For precise figures, consult with a professional solar installer who can conduct a detailed site assessment.