The power output value is important for making your solar panel choice. These PV panels are rated in wattage value. You may come across choices such as solar panel 400 watt or solar panel 600 watt. These ratings indicate the amount of DC power produced by the marked panels in standard test conditions. In other words, the panel output expressed in wattage is the theoretical power production ability within ideal sunlight temperature conditions.
Calculating the energy output
The wattage is furnished as an hourly measurement. For instance, a 400-watt solar panel will generate 2 kWh of electricity after receiving 5 hours of direct sunlight. This is how it is calculated.
1 hour of sunlight generates 400 watts of power.
5 hours of sunlight would generate 5 x 400 = 2000 watt-hours of electricity.
2000 Watt hours is equivalent to 2 KwH.
The wattage marked on the panels is inclusive of its efficiency percentage. The efficiency percentage is the value that describes the amount of solar energy that can be converted according to the panel's capacity.
For instance, a solar panel may be marked as 20% efficient. This same panel receives approximately 1000 W/m2 of solar radiation per hour. Let’s assume that the panel covers an area of 1.5 m2. Hence, the wattage of the panel is calculated by multiplying these values.
1000 x 20 x 1.5 = 300 Watt-hour.
Therefore, two panels may have the same efficiency quotient but show different wattage values. This is because the size of the panel is an important factor. A panel with 15% efficiency but a 600 Watt-hour output value has a greater area than a panel of 15% efficiency but with a 400 Watt-hour output value.
1 hour of sunlight generates 400 watts of power.
5 hours of sunlight would generate 5 x 400 = 2000 watt-hours of electricity.
2000 Watt hours is equivalent to 2 KwH.
The wattage marked on the panels is inclusive of its efficiency percentage. The efficiency percentage is the value that describes the amount of solar energy that can be converted according to the panel's capacity.
For instance, a solar panel may be marked as 20% efficient. This same panel receives approximately 1000 W/m2 of solar radiation per hour. Let’s assume that the panel covers an area of 1.5 m2. Hence, the wattage of the panel is calculated by multiplying these values.
1000 x 20 x 1.5 = 300 Watt-hour.
Therefore, two panels may have the same efficiency quotient but show different wattage values. This is because the size of the panel is an important factor. A panel with 15% efficiency but a 600 Watt-hour output value has a greater area than a panel of 15% efficiency but with a 400 Watt-hour output value.
Selecting panels according to wattage values
The choice of solar panels should depend on a calculation of your energy needs. It also relies on other factors, such as the amount of sunlight your location normally receives. Homeowners in sunny states such as California can do well with lower wattage values such as 250 or 300 watts.
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However, in places like Detroit, where the sun is not so strong, you need options such as the solar panel 400w. If your individual energy needs are higher, you may do good by choosing a solar panel 600w.
The 600-watt panel does not imply that it employs a technology more advanced than the 400-watt panel. Rather, it may simply mean that it is of a bigger size. However, sometimes the technological aspect is also relevant. Monocrystalline panels have a higher efficiency rate compared to the polycrystalline variants. Hence, the 400 w and 600 w panels may be of the same size, but the latter might be a monocrystalline type. |
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Let us decide the best solar solutions
At Solar Energy Detroit, our consultants will assess the practical scenario at your property to suggest the best options. Our priority is to suggest panels with the fastest payback ratio so that you can start making savings on your solar installation. The way a panel is installed also affects its performance. Ideally, it should be placed so that the sun's radiation hits the panel at 90 degrees. In addition, we will assess the property to find a location where shades do not affect the panels' performance.
