1. What is Solar Panel Output?

Solar panel output refers to the amount of electrical energy (in kilowatt-hours) that a solar panel can produce under specific conditions. It depends on panel area, efficiency, sunlight hours, and system performance.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the solar panel output equation:

Where:

• \( E \) — Energy output (kWh/day)
• \( A \) — Panel area (m²)
• \( r \) — Panel efficiency (decimal, typically 0.15-0.22)
• \( H \) — Peak sun hours (hours/day)
• \( PR \) — Performance ratio (decimal, typically 0.75-0.85)

Explanation: The equation calculates daily energy production by considering physical panel characteristics and environmental factors.

3. Importance of Solar Output Calculation

Details: Accurate output estimation helps in sizing solar systems, predicting energy production, and calculating return on investment for solar installations.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter panel area in square meters, efficiency as decimal (15% = 0.15), average daily sun hours, and performance ratio (default 0.75). All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical solar panel efficiency?
A: Most commercial panels have 15-22% efficiency, with premium models reaching up to 23%.

Q2: How do I find peak sun hours for my location?
A: Check solar insolation maps or use tools from NASA or NREL that provide average daily sun hours by location.

Q3: What affects performance ratio?
A: Factors include temperature, shading, dirt, wiring losses, and inverter efficiency.

Q4: Can I calculate monthly output?
A: Yes, multiply daily output by number of days and adjust for seasonal sun hour variations.

Q5: Why is panel area important?
A: Larger panels capture more sunlight, but efficiency determines how well they convert it to electricity.