1. What is a Solar Power Near Me Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates daily solar energy generation based on your solar panel specifications and local sunlight conditions.

Purpose: It helps homeowners and businesses estimate potential solar power production for their location.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( E \) — Daily energy generation (kWh)
• \( P \) — Panel power rating (kW)
• \( H \) — Average daily sunlight hours (hours)
• \( PR \) — Performance ratio (system efficiency, 0-1)

Explanation: The panel power is multiplied by sunlight hours and system efficiency to estimate daily output.

3. Importance of Solar Power Calculation

Details: Accurate solar power estimation helps in system sizing, cost analysis, and return on investment calculations for solar installations.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your solar panel power rating, local average daily sunlight hours (check solar maps for your area), and performance ratio (default 0.75). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I find my local sunlight hours?
A: Check NASA's solar insolation maps or local weather station data for average daily sun hours in your area.

Q2: What's a typical performance ratio?
A: Most systems have PR between 0.7-0.8. Factors like temperature, shading, and system losses affect this value.

Q3: Should I use peak sun hours or actual daylight hours?
A: Use "peak sun hours" which represent the equivalent hours of full sun intensity your location receives.

Q4: How can I calculate monthly or annual production?
A: Multiply daily output by 30 for monthly or 365 for annual estimates (adjust for seasonal variations).

Q5: Does this account for panel orientation and tilt?
A: No, the sunlight hours input should already reflect your specific panel orientation and tilt for accurate results.