1. What is a Solar Panel Wattage Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the power output of solar panels based on their physical area, efficiency, local solar irradiation, and system performance ratio.

Purpose: It helps homeowners, engineers, and solar installers determine the expected power output of photovoltaic systems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( P \) — Power output (watts)
• \( A \) — Solar panel area (square meters)
• \( r \) — Panel efficiency (decimal, 0-1)
• \( H \) — Solar irradiation (watts per square meter)
• \( PR \) — Performance ratio (decimal, 0-1)

Explanation: The formula multiplies panel area by its efficiency, then by available sunlight, and finally accounts for real-world system losses.

3. Importance of Solar Panel Power Calculation

Details: Accurate power estimation ensures proper system sizing, energy production forecasting, and return on investment calculations.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter panel area in m², efficiency (default 0.18 for 18%), irradiation (default 1000 W/m² for full sun), and performance ratio (default 0.75). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical solar panel efficiency?
A: Most commercial panels range from 15-22% efficiency (0.15-0.22), with premium models reaching up to 23%.

Q2: How do I find solar irradiation for my location?
A: Use solar maps or databases like NASA's POWER or PVWatts. Average values range from 800-1400 W/m².

Q3: What affects the performance ratio?
A: Factors include temperature losses, wiring losses, inverter efficiency, soiling, and shading (typically 0.70-0.85).

Q4: Can I calculate daily energy production?
A: Yes, multiply the result by peak sun hours in your location (e.g., 5 hours × 300W = 1500Wh/day).

Q5: How does panel orientation affect results?
A: Optimal tilt and azimuth maximize irradiation. Non-optimal angles reduce effective irradiation value.