Many homeowners who want to save money and the planet at large are considering using solar power. Solar panels are less costly, and Texas residents are discovering the benefit of using solar electricity.
When giving a quote for the home solar system, solar companies use kW and kWh terminology. However, customers without electrical knowledge may find these abbreviations confusing — let alone the difference between kW and kWh. So here, we’ll dive into kW, kWh, and why the difference between the two matters.
What Is a Kilowatt (kW)?
Electricity is measured in units of power called Watts. The two terms, kilowatts (kW) and kilowatt-hours (kWh), determine monthly electricity bills correctly. These terms are also used for your home solar system. So, what’s the difference between kW and kWh?
kW, which is 1,000 Watts, is a measure of power. Power is Household Voltage (Volts) multiplied by equipment current (Amps). In other words, Kilowatt is Horsepower for your home.
When your home solar system produces power during the day, the inverters will output a certain amount of kilowatts. Most residential solar systems have power output ranging from about 5KW to 15KW. The kilowatt production of your solar PV system may vary depending on several factors like the weather patterns, temperature, angle of the sun, and more. The longer the solar array is exposed to the sun, the more electricity is produced.
What Is a Kilowatt-hour (kWh)?
On the other hand, kWh is a measure of energy being consumed or produced over some time. For instance, if your home solar system produces 1 kW continuously for an hour, it has generated 1 kWh. Therefore, kWh accurately represents overall solar production. For better understanding, utility companies use kilowatt-hours to determine energy usage.
Why the Difference Between kW and kWh Matters
Power and energy are related to each other, but the difference is that energy factors in time. Time is vital for your home solar system to generate energy. When purchasing a solar system, the most critical consideration is kWh production — not kW. This is because solar panels produce a certain kWh of electricity for every minute they are exposed to sunshine.
Understanding the difference between kW and kWh can help you make informed decisions about going solar. A qualified solar panel expert from Texas Solar Guys will advise you on the best solar panel placement for maximum solar electricity production.
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If you are interested in reducing energy bills using solar energy to power everything from light bulbs to appliances, you can trust our team with your home solar system. All our products have an extended warranty and come at fair prices. Make the most out of sunny days today by contacting Texas Solar Guys or receive an instant solar quote.