How to calculate how much energy solar panel generates?
To calculate how much energy a solar panel will generate, you'll need to know a few key pieces of information.
First, you'll need to know the size of the panel in square meters. This is typically measured as the panel's "panel area" or "active area." You'll also need to know the panel's efficiency rating, which is a measure of how well it converts sunlight into electricity.
Once you have this information, you can use the following formula to calculate the panel's potential electricity production:
Panel Area x Efficiency Rating x Solar Irradiance = Electricity Production
The solar irradiance is a measure of the amount of sunlight that is available to the panel. This will vary depending on where you live, the time of year, and the time of day. You can use online tools or consult with a solar installer to get an estimate of the solar irradiance in your area.
For example, let's say you have a solar panel with a panel area of 1.5 square meters and an efficiency rating of 15%. If the solar irradiance in your area is 1000 watts per square meter, the panel's potential electricity production would be:
1.5 x 0.15 x 1000 = 225 watts
This means that, under ideal conditions, the panel would produce 225 watts of electricity. However, it's important to keep in mind that the actual electricity production may be lower due to factors such as shading or poor panel performance.
I hope that helps to answer your question. As you can see, there are several factors that can affect how much electricity a solar panel will generate, so it's always a good idea to consult with a professional to get an accurate estimate.