1 kWp Equals How Many kWh?
When it comes to solar panels, understanding the difference between kWp and kWh is crucial. While often confused with each other, these two units of measurement serve distinct purposes in the realm of solar energy.
What is kWp?
kWp stands for kilowatt-peak, which is a measure of a solar panel's maximum power output under ideal laboratory conditions. It represents the maximum amount of power a solar panel can produce when exposed to a certain intensity of light and temperature. kWp is used to rate the power output of a solar panel or an entire solar array.
What is kWh?
kWh stands for kilowatt-hour, which represents the actual amount of electricity generated by a solar panel or an entire solar array over a period of time. kWh takes into account the amount of time the solar panel is producing electricity, as well as the efficiency of the system.
Conversion from kWp to kWh
So, how do you convert kWp to kWh? The answer lies in understanding the concept of "peak sun hours" (PSH). Peak sun hours represent the amount of time a solar panel is exposed to ideal sunlight conditions. One peak sun hour is equivalent to one hour of sunlight at an intensity of 1,000 watts per square meter.
Assuming an average peak sun hour value of 4.5, we can estimate the daily energy output of a solar panel system. Let's consider a 1 kWp solar panel system:
- Daily energy output = 1 kWp x 4.5 PSH = 4.5 kWh
This means that a 1 kWp solar panel system can produce approximately 4.5 kWh of electricity per day, assuming 4.5 peak sun hours.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 1 kWp of solar panel capacity can produce approximately 4.5 kWh of electricity per day, depending on the location's peak sun hours. Understanding the difference between kWp and kWh is essential for evaluating the performance of a solar panel system and estimating its energy output.
By recognizing the distinction between these two units of measurement, you can make informed decisions when designing and installing solar panel systems.
