1. What is a Solar Panel Power Consumption Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the energy consumption in kilowatt-hours (kWh) based on the power of solar panels and their operating time.

Purpose: It helps solar energy users and installers determine how much energy will be consumed or produced by solar panel systems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( E \) — Energy consumption (kilowatt-hours)
• \( P \) — Power (watts)
• \( t \) — Time (hours)

Explanation: The power in watts is multiplied by time in hours, then divided by 1000 to convert to kilowatt-hours.

3. Importance of Power Consumption Calculation

Details: Accurate energy calculations help in sizing solar panel systems, estimating energy production, and planning for energy needs.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the solar panel power in watts and the operating time in hours. All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why divide by 1000 in the formula?
A: The division converts watt-hours to kilowatt-hours (1 kWh = 1000 Wh), which is the standard unit for electricity billing.

Q2: What's a typical power rating for solar panels?
A: Residential solar panels typically range from 250-400 watts each, while commercial panels may be higher.

Q3: How do I account for multiple solar panels?
A: Multiply a single panel's power by the number of panels to get total system power before using the calculator.

Q4: Does this include system efficiency losses?
A: No, this calculates theoretical output. Actual production may be 10-20% less due to various factors.

Q5: Can I use this for battery storage calculations?
A: Yes, you can use it to estimate how much energy your system will produce to charge batteries.