How Much Power Does a Solar Panel Produce?

How much electricity does a solar panel produce, and where does that power go when it converts? These questions are critical to answer to get the most out of your solar unit. Read on to learn more about the average amount of power a panel produces, how to calculate the rate of power production per panel, and the factors that affect your solar panel’s output. 

 

We’ll also be addressing some of the most common questions homeowners have about solar power for home and power preservation, providing you with reliable information from our solar experts. 

In this article: 

• How Solar Panels Work
• How Solar Power Production Is Measured 
• Average Solar Panel Production 
• Factors Affecting Solar Panel Power Capacity 
• Maximizing Solar Panel Power Production 
• Frequently Asked Questions

How Solar Panels Work

Solar panels work via the photoelectric effect, facilitated by the photovoltaic cells installed onto the solar panel’s frame. Once sunlight shines on these panels, energy from the sun’s rays is absorbed. As the energy is absorbed, electron release occurs, forming an electric charge (or current). 

 

This current then flows to the wiring in the panel, where it’s then captured and converted into useable electricity — first transitioning to direct current (DC) and then into useable alternating current (AC). 

 

This current is then ready to be distributed when you power your devices.  

How Solar Panel Power Production is Measured 

Solar power production is typically measured in watts, calculated by multiplying the solar panel’s overall amperage, wattage, and the number of cells. 

 

This value can then be converted to kilowatts (kW) and kilowatt-hours (kWh):

 

• Kilowatts (kW): This value details how much energy panels can produce in an hour of direct sunlight, assuming weather conditions are sunny. 

• Kilowatt-hours (kWh): This value summarizes the total amount of overall energy a solar system generates 

Average Solar Panel Production

Most experts estimate that a single residential solar panel can put out 530-880 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year, assuming two factors: 

 

• The home gets six hours of daily direct sunlight.
• The panel provides a daily output of 250 to 400 watts per hour.

 

Most homeowners follow this formula to determine the total solar panel output a system can generate: 

 

Wattage x Average Direct Sunlight Hours = Watt-hours Per Day

 

Despite accurate calculations, this value can be subjective based on your area’s weather conditions, where the panels are installed, and the state and cleanliness of your home’s roof. 

Factors Affecting Solar Panel Power Capacity

Many factors affect your solar panel’s output and subsequent capacity — knowing them gives you the information you need to maximize your setup and savings. 

Size and Type of Solar Panel

Different solar panel systems (and sizes of systems) offer varying energy production levels, even if placed in the same conditions. To fully see what this looks like, we have to consider the three primary types of panels and their differences: 

 

• Monocrystalline panels: These types of solar panels are high-efficiency, producing more power per square foot than other solar panels. They also typically have a lower energy coefficient than other panel types, meaning they lose less performance during heat spikes. 

• Polycrystalline panels: “Poly panels,” or polycrystalline panels, are the more affordable alternative to monocrystalline panels. They offer similar benefits and efficiency levels but are slightly less space- and power-efficient. They’re also more sensitive to heat, making them ideal for cooler climates or areas with four seasons.

• Thin-film solar panels: Thin-film solar panels are more sustainable and affordable than other silicon-based panels. They’re ideal for portable or small-scale use since they are lightweight and flexible. They are slightly less efficient than other panel types but often compensate for this with their simple installation process and versatility. 

Geographic Location and Sunlight Exposure

While it may seem like a bit of a given, many homeowners fail to account for the effect that available sunlight through summer and winter months has on solar panel performance. Panels need the sun’s energy via direct sunlight to convert enough energy to power your home and maintain complete energy independence. 

 

When optimizing your solar system, we recommend asking your tech about the best pivots based on your geographic location and sunlight exposure.  

Weather Conditions

The local climate also plays a major role in how much power a solar panel can produce at a given time. For example, those who live in cloudier conditions may have a different daily power conversion than those who live in sunnier areas, such as the desert. Additionally, those living in excessively hot areas may see their conversion efficiency decrease, resulting in less power produced overall.  

Angle and Orientation of Installation

The angle and orientation of your panels matter regarding energy efficiency. Placements determine how much direct sunlight a panel receives and how much power can be produced by a panel at a time. 

 

Your installation specialist will consider many factors to ensure a perfect panel placement, including the latitude, longitude and orientation of your location, and shaded areas adjoining to your house.

Maximizing Solar Panel Power Production

Looking to maximize your solar panel power production? Doing so ensures that you get the most out of every panel, helping you save on electricity bills and prolong the life of your units. 

 

Here are steps you can take starting today, courtesy of our solar specialists: 

Regular Maintenance and Cleaning

Like other areas of your home, your roof and solar panels should be cleaned regularly. Doing so helps increase the total energy produced by the solar panels while promoting a longer overall lifespan. The visual inspection you’ll naturally give them with each cleaning can help you proactively identify issues — such as wiring damage or panel cracks — before they become a problem. 

 

Where you live affects your solar panel cleaning schedule. While many homeowners opt for once a season, those living in the desert, on the coastline, or in the city may find they need to clean their panels more often due to natural climate-related buildup. 

 

Conversely, those who live in an area with high rain frequency or who have angled panels on their home may find that they don’t need to wash their panels as often. 

 

Cleaning your panels is simple. Follow your panel instructions and safely disconnect all panels before cleaning. Then, apply a soap-moistened sponge or a gentle cleaning solution and squeegee your panels. Avoid strong products, bleach,  high-pressure washers or hose attachments, as they can damage your panels. 

Technology Upgrades and Enhancements

Your solar system may become eligible for technology upgrades and enhancements over time. While these can come at an additional cost, they protect and prolong the life of your system and its overall energy efficiency. 

 

If you can afford it, consider making type-specific technology upgrades and enhancements available for your system, as your solar specialist recommends. 

Energy Storage Solutions

Energy storage solutions are always a strong way to maximize your power output and utility over time. These systems act as a complimentary auxiliary arm of your solar panel system, taking harvested energy and storing it sustainably for later use. 

 

These energy storage solutions ensure you have full access to whatever energy you need to power your home regardless of circumstance — weather shifts or time of day — and are “worth” the investment for many homeowners. 

Learn More About Solar Panels For Your Home

Wondering how much a home solar system costs? Get real quotes and connect to local installers with Heliose.

Frequently asked questions 

How much electricity does a solar panel produce per day? 

Experts estimate that the average home solar panel with an output of 250-400 watts creates 1.5-2 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day. However, exterior factors (such as the size, location and condition of the panel) affect this estimation. 

How many solar panels do I need for 1000 kWh per month?

Many sources state that, on average, you need between 18-24 solar panels to provide 1000 kWh per month. However, we’d like to submit that this answer is subjective based on several key factors, such as your panel sizes, location, climate and energy consumption patterns. 

How many solar panels does it take to power a house?

Homes looking to secure total electrical independence typically install 15 to 22 panels to power their home. However, the number of panels necessary depends entirely on exterior factors, such as your panel type and size, your climate and location, energy consumption patterns, and any energy storage solutions that may or may not be installed.

What can you power with a single solar panel? 

A single solar panel can power a range of devices depending on the watt-hours it throws out and the energy consumption pattern of the device(s) in question. A traditional 100-watt solar power can typically run small household devices like a laptop, microwave or TV. 

What are the highest-output solar panels? 

The highest-output solar panels are monocrystalline solar panels, which average about 250-400 watts per panel. They have unanimously received the highest energy efficiency rating across expert sources and authorities. They’re ideal for homeowners looking for a more compact design or who wish to use their panels with an additional energy storage solution.