Understanding kWh: What It Is and Why It Matters for Solar Panels

What Is a kWh?

A kWh (kilowatt-hour) is a unit of measurement for electricity. It measures the amount of energy used over a certain period of time. For example, if you leave a 100-watt light bulb on for 10 hours, you’ve used 1 kWh of electricity (100 watts x 10 hours = 1,000 watt-hours or 1 kWh).

Electricity bills typically measure energy usage in kWh. This means that the more kWh you use, the higher your energy bill will be.

Why Is kWh Important for Solar Panels?

When it comes to solar panels, kWh is important because it determines how much electricity your panels can produce. Solar panels are rated by their maximum output capacity, which is measured in watts. For example, a 300-watt solar panel can produce up to 300 watts of electricity at its maximum output.

However, the amount of electricity your solar panels actually produce will depend on a variety of factors, including the amount of sunlight they receive, the temperature, and the angle and orientation of the panels.

To determine how much electricity your solar panels will produce, you need to know the amount of energy they can generate over a certain period of time, typically measured in kWh. This is known as the panel’s energy yield.

For example, let’s say you have a 4 kW solar panel system installed on your UK home. According to the UK government’s Energy Saving Trust, a typical UK home uses around 3,100 kWh of electricity per year. If your solar panel system has an energy yield of 900 kWh per kW per year, then your 4 kW system will produce around 3,600 kWh of electricity per year (4 kW x 900 kWh per kW per year = 3,600 kWh per year). 

This means that your solar panel system will be able to generate enough electricity to cover your home’s annual energy needs and potentially even produce excess electricity that can be sold back to the grid.

At Sheerwater Solar, we understand the importance of accurately calculating your solar panel system’s energy yield and kWh capacity. That’s why we conduct a thorough survey of your home or business before providing a quote for your solar panel system. Our team of experienced professionals will assess your property’s solar potential and calculate the most efficient and cost-effective solar panel system for your needs. We’ll provide you with a detailed quote that includes information about the kWh capacity and energy yield of your system, so you can make an informed decision about your solar panel installation.

By understanding the kWh capacity of your solar panels and their energy yield, you can accurately estimate how much electricity your system will produce, and how much money you can expect to save on your energy bills.

Understanding kWh for Solar Panels

A kWh is a unit of measurement for electricity usage, and it’s an important factor to consider when installing solar panels on your UK home or business. By understanding the kWh capacity of your panels and their energy yield, you can accurately estimate how much electricity your system will produce, and how much money you can expect to save on your energy bills.

When shopping for solar panels, be sure to look for panels with a high kWh capacity and a strong energy yield. This will help ensure that your system produces as much electricity as possible and provides the maximum benefit to your home or business.