1. What is Watt-Hour Calculation?

The watt-hour (Wh) calculation estimates the energy output of a solar panel system by considering solar input, hours of sunlight, and system efficiency. It helps determine battery storage requirements for solar installations.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the watt-hour formula:

Where:

• \( Solar\ Input \) — Power output of solar panels in watts (W)
• \( Sun\ Hours \) — Peak sunlight hours per day (h)
• \( Efficiency \) — System efficiency factor (typically 0.7-0.9)

Explanation: The equation calculates the total energy produced by multiplying solar panel output by available sunlight hours and adjusting for system losses.

3. Importance of Watt-Hour Calculation

Details: Accurate watt-hour calculation is crucial for sizing battery banks, determining energy storage needs, and ensuring solar systems meet power requirements.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter solar panel wattage, average daily sun hours, and system efficiency (default is 0.85). All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are typical efficiency values?
A: Most systems range from 70-90% efficiency (0.7-0.9). Factors include inverter efficiency, wiring losses, and battery charging losses.

Q2: How do I find my sun hours?
A: Use solar insolation maps or local weather data for your location. This represents equivalent hours of peak sunlight.

Q3: Should I use panel rating or actual output?
A: For sizing, use panel's rated wattage. For accurate current output, use measured values under real conditions.

Q4: How does this relate to battery capacity?
A: Divide Wh result by battery voltage to get amp-hours (Ah) needed. Add 20-30% extra capacity for depth of discharge limits.

Q5: Does this account for seasonal variations?
A: No, you should calculate using worst-month sun hours or create separate calculations for different seasons.