Claudia Pardo, Content Specialist at Sunhero and a firm believer that solar energy can transform the world.
08/11/2024
4 min read
ÍNDICE
If you’re thinking about switching to solar energy and installing solar panels at home, you’ve likely wondered: How much electricity can a solar panel really generate? This figure is more than just a number; it’s the key to understanding how much you can reduce your electricity consumption and, ultimately, how much you could save on your bill.
In this article, we’ll explain how solar panel energy production is measured, what factors affect its performance, and how you can estimate electricity generation under real-world conditions. Additionally, we’ll offer some tips to optimize your solar installation and make the most of every ray of sunlight in your location.
Solar panels come in various sizes and capacities to meet different household needs. For a residential installation, a 400W panel is a common choice and a good starting point for those looking to generate their own energy.
This 400W power rating means that, under ideal conditions, the panel can produce up to 400 watt-hours in one hour of direct sunlight. However, in practice, daily production depends on factors like the hours of direct sunlight the panel receives and its orientation.
Another important factor to consider is the performance of a solar panel, which is its ability to efficiently convert sunlight into electricity.
To evaluate a solar panel’s performance, manufacturers typically conduct two types of tests. The first is performed under Standard Test Conditions (STC), which simulate a day with ideal light and temperature (25ºC). In this test, a 400W panel should generate its maximum output, expressed as “watt peak” (Wp).
For a more realistic estimate, a second test called NOCT (Normal Operating Cell Temperature) is used. This test measures energy output under more typical conditions, such as a temperature of 20ºC and lower solar radiation.
This second data point serves as a useful reference for understanding how much the panel will produce under more everyday conditions. According to PV Magazine, NOCT values give consumers more realistic expectations of energy output when purchasing a solar panel.
According to the Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving (IDAE), a 400W panel can generate around 2 kWh per day on average, provided it receives approximately five hours of direct sunlight each day. This calculation is based on Standard Test Conditions (STC), which simulate an ideal scenario with specific light and temperature conditions (25ºC) and a solar intensity of 1000W/m².
In other words, on a day with these ideal conditions, a 400W panel would produce 400 watt-hours per hour of direct sunlight. Thus, with five hours of sunlight, the panel would achieve a total of 2 kWh per day (400W x 5 hours = 2000 Wh or 2 kWh). However, it’s important to remember that this is an estimate, and actual output may vary depending on factors such as geographic location, panel tilt and orientation, and weather conditions.
To help you more accurately calculate how much energy you can generate and save at home, visit our solar calculator.
Several factors influence the amount of electricity a solar panel can produce:
To make the most of your solar installation, here are some useful tips:
With these recommendations and a well-planned installation, you can ensure that your photovoltaic system operates optimally, making the most of every ray of sunlight. At Sunhero, we analyze each client’s needs individually, ensuring we provide a system tailored to their consumption and location for maximum efficiency and performance guarantees in solar energy production.
Fill out our free solar calculator and get a custom quotation