I want solar, but, OMGosh, what the heck is a kWh?

The terminology surrounding solar energy, even if you are familiar with it, can be a little intimidating. So let’s respond to the query that many of us are asking in our minds. The answer to the crucial question “I want solar, but OMG, WTH is a kWh!” will help you determine the size of the system you require based on your energy usage, the overall impact of your panels on your utility bill, and even the impact of many of your home or business appliances and equipment.

First and foremost:
Understanding what each letter in the abbreviations kW and kWh stands for is crucial when discussing their use.

k = kilo which conveys “1,000”
The standard unit for measuring power is called Watt, abbreviated W.
Time is measured in hours, abbreviated as h.
What distinguishes the terms kW and kWh?
Kilowatt and kilowatt-hour are abbreviations for the terms respectively. Although they may have a similar sound, they actually refer to different but connected concepts.

kW, or kilowatts
Simply put, a kilowatt (kW) is a measurement of the amount of power an electrical device consumes or, in the case of solar panels, the amount of power they produce. Kilowatts are the standard unit of measurement because most appliances consume a lot of power. At 1,000 watts, a kilowatt is equal.

kWh, or kilowatt-hour
Energy, or the total amount of electricity used over time, is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). A solar panel’s output in kilowatts per hour is measured in kilowatt-hours, as is the energy consumed by appliances. One kilowatt-hour of electricity, for instance, would be consumed by a 100-watt light bulb used for ten hours.

What are the purposes of kW and kWh?
You should consider your energy requirements when installing a solar photovoltaic system on your property based on your current energy usage, the size of your system, and its ability to produce energy. kWh units will be used to measure both your consumption and the output of your system. On the other hand, it’s crucial to keep in mind that your solar PV system will also have a peak power measurement that is measured in kW. Under ideal solar conditions, your system’s peak power is the maximum amount of power it can generate. g. At noon, when the sun is at its brightest, a 5 kW system can generate 5 kW of power. The maximum amount of energy your system can use in a year can only be accommodated by its design. A system for a typical home would have an estimated annual production capacity of around 12.858 kWh, keeping in mind that the average home uses 10,715 kilowatt-hours of electricity each year.

If you’re thinking about installing a solar PV system on your property, hopefully this has clarified what a kWh is and why it’s important.

Conclusion:

Get started right now with a FREE SOLAR QUOTE and personal savings estimate from BlockShark Solar! Find out more about how the federal tax credit for solar energy can help you pay less out of pocket. Solar panels are an excellent method to balance your energy expenditures and to lessen your home’s environmental effect. GOING SOLAR provides you energy independence and control over the future of your family!

Let’s GO SOLAR with BlockShark Solar!