How Many Units Does A One Solar Panel Produce?
Ever wondered how much electricity a single solar panel can produce?
It’s not a straightforward answer—as various factors come into play. From the type of panel to weather conditions, all significantly impact the output.
In this post, I’ll get into details and help you understand how much a panel produces over a different course of time.
Whether you’re considering solar for your home or just curious, you’ll find all the essential details here.
Let’s get started!
3 Key Factors Influencing Solar Panel Electricity Production
The performance of a solar panel is influenced by various factors. Three of the most influential factors that impact solar panel output are explained below:
Type of Solar Panels
Essentially, two major types of panels, Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline, are used in residential and commercial setups.
Their production depends upon their cell efficiency; the greater the efficiency, the greater the energy production.
Monocrystalline Solar Panels: These panels are made from a single crystal structure and are known for their high efficiency (15-22%) and better performance in low-light conditions. They are more space-efficient, but they are also more expensive.
Polycrystalline Solar Panels: Made from multiple silicon crystals, these panels are generally less efficient (around 13-16%) and require more roof space.
Weather Conditions
Weather conditions have a direct effect on solar panel efficiency.
- Cloud Cover: Overcast days reduce solar output, although panels still generate some electricity under cloudy conditions. Clear skies are ideal for better energy production.
- Temperature: Interestingly, while one might assume that higher temperatures enhance performance, excessive heat can actually reduce the efficiency of solar panels. Most panels operate better at cooler temperatures, as high heat can decrease the voltage produced by the solar cells.
Shading and Orientation of Panels
Shading from nearby objects and the orientation of the solar panels is another important factor:
- Shading: Any building or tree that casts a shadow on the panels leads to significant losses in energy production. Even partial shading can affect the entire string of panels if they are connected in series.
- Orientation and Tilt: Panels should ideally face south. The optimal angle varies by geographic location and season, and it can be calculated based on the installation site’s latitude.
In addition to the factors mentioned, it’s important to consider the impact of dust accumulation on solar panels and the non-operation of the inverter in load shedding (in the case of on-grid solar setups).
How a Solar Panel Produces Electricity Throughout the Year
Based on the above-discussed factors, solar panel’s output changes throughout the year.
Here’s a quick estimate of solar panel (500-600 W) production throughout the whole year.
Various Solar Panel Sizes Available in the Market
Solar panels are available in various sizes, primarily categorized by the number of solar cells they contain.
The most common residential solar panels have 60 cells or 96 cells per panel.
To get an overview, below are the most commonly used solar panel brands with their wattage.
| Brand | Model | Wattage |
| Longi Solar | LONGi Hi-MO 5 | 540 – 560 W |
| Jinko Solar | Tiger Pro | 580 W |
| Canadian Solar | Hiku 6 Mono | 530 – 550 W |
Calculating the Energy Output of a Solar Panel
If we incorporate all the above factors, a solar panel practically produces about 70% (0.7) of its wattage.
we can calculate the energy output of a 580 W solar panel.
Here’s how to do it:
Identify the Wattage: The wattage is 580 W.
Determine Average Sunlight Hours: Assuming an average of 5 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Set Efficiency: In this case, we will use an efficiency of 70% (0.7).
Using the daily output formula as:
Daily Output kWh = Wattage W × Hours of Sunlight × Efficiency
Putting the assumed values:
Daily Output kWh =580 W × 5 hours × 0.7
Daily Output kWh = 2030 Wh = 2 kWh
This means that under optimal conditions, a 580 W solar panel would produce approximately 2 kWh of electricity per day.
How Many Units of Electricity Are Generated by Different Solar System Sizes?
The best thing about solar panels is that you can combine different panels to make a solar system that meets your needs.
To make it easier for you, below are the daily, monthly, and yearly units generated by popular solar system sizes.
Units Generated by 1KW System
| System Size | Daily Output | Monthly Output | Yearly Output |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 kW | 3 kWh | 90 kWh | 1080 kWh |
Units Generated by 3KW System
| System Size | Daily Output | Monthly Output | Yearly Output |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 kW | 9 kWh | 270 kWh | 2590 kWh |
Units Generated by 5KW System
| System Size | Daily Output | Monthly Output | Yearly Output |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 kW | 15 kWh | 450 kWh | 4320 kWh |
Units Generated by 7KW System
| System Size | Daily Output (kWh) | Monthly Output (kWh) | Yearly Output (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 kW | 21 | 630 | 6040 |
Units Generated by 10KW System
| System Size | Daily Output | Monthly Output | Yearly Output |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 kW | 30 kWh | 900 kWh | 8650 kWh |
Units Generated by 15KW System
| System Size | Daily Output | Monthly Output | Yearly Output |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 kW | 45 kWh | 1350 kWh | 12950 kWh |
Just to Clarify
You may find different yearly output figures from other sources. I have calculated the annual output by accounting for seasonal effects throughout the year (for example, production is reduced during winter). To accommodate this, the overall output is reduced by 20% to get the most expected output.
How Do I Measure a Solar Panel’s Output?
You can’t measure power directly from a multimeter. Instead you can measure first voltage and current, then use the formula to calculate panel power
Measure Voltage:
- Set the multimeter to the DC voltage setting.
- Connect the positive lead to the solar panel’s positive terminal and the negative lead to the negative terminal.
- Record the voltage reading.
Measure Current:
- Change the multimeter setting to measure current (amps).
- Disconnect the positive lead from the charge controller and connect the multimeter in series with the solar panel.
- Record the current reading
Calculate Power Output:
Use the formula:
Power W = Voltage V × Current A
This will give you the power output of the solar panel at that moment.
Here’s a practical demonstration of the whole process explained above.
Wrapping Up
Understanding how much electricity a solar panel can produce is essential when considering solar energy for your needs.
By factoring in the type of panel, weather conditions, and installation details, you can better estimate the energy output for your soon-to-be solar system.
FAQs
A typical solar panel produces around 2-3 kWh per day, depending on location, weather, and efficiency.
Solar panels produce direct current (DC) electricity. An inverter is required to convert it to alternating current (AC) for household use.
1 unit = 1 kWh (kilowatt-hour). This is a standard unit for measuring electricity consumption.
A 1 kW solar panel system consists of 2-3 panels, each around 5-6 feet wide and 3 feet tall.
The maximum voltage depends on the panel’s design, but is usually between 30-45V for a 12V system.
With no load, the solar panel’s voltage rises to its open-circuit voltage. This can potentially damage the panel. Panels should always be connected to a load.
Content Writer | Assistant Manager (Electrical) at IESCO
As a passionate content writer, I’m on a mission to make solar hassle-free for you through my expert guides and easy-to-digest content.