The formula below can be used to estimate the energy output of a photovoltaic system. E = A * r * H * PR
E = Energy (kWh)
A = Total solar panel Area (m")
r = solar panel yield or efficiency = 15%
H = Annual average solar radiation on tilted panels in kWh/m" per year
PR = Performance ratio, coefficient for losses = 0.75
a) In California, we receive an average of 750 W/m" for 8 hours a day. How many kWh/m" per year is this? (2)
kWh/m" per year =
b) If you want to generate the average energy usage of a 2-person household in California of 4000 kWh per year, what area of solar panels do you need? (2)
Area =
c) The average solar panel is 1 m by 1.65 m. How many solar panels would we need to guarantee this energy supply? (2)
Number of solar panels =