How Much Can Run?
A 1 kW load running for 2 hours uses 2 kWh. Inverter power must cover appliances that run together.
Solar Guide
The basics that save confusion: power vs energy, backup, batteries and quotations.
How Much Gets Used?
One electricity “unit” is 1 kWh. Daily consumption helps estimate how much solar generation you need.
What Stays On, and for How Long?
Choose essential appliances first. A smaller backup load can keep the same battery running longer.
Let’s Clear a Few Things Up.
“A 5 kW system produces 5 units every hour.”
kW is power capacity. kWh is energy over time. Output changes through the day with sunlight, temperature, shade and losses.
“Solar panels mean backup during an outage.”
A standard grid-tied system disconnects during grid outages. Backup needs compatible islanding equipment, an appropriate inverter and usually battery storage.
“My AC always uses the watts printed on it.”
An inverter AC varies its power. Room insulation, outdoor temperature and setpoint affect consumption. Use measured energy when available; the load factor here is an estimate.
“A 5 kWh battery gives everyone the same backup.”
Backup depends on load. Usable capacity is lower than nominal capacity, and conversion losses reduce delivered energy. High-power loads can also exceed the battery/inverter limits.
“Solar will make my electricity bill zero.”
Night usage, fixed charges, taxes, tariff rules and export credit affect the bill. Generation, self-consumption and exported units must be valued separately.
“The cheapest quotation is the best deal.”
Compare exact models, equipment authenticity, protection, structure, installation scope, warranty support and payment terms. A headline total hides what is excluded.
Visible Inputs. Explainable Outputs.
01
Estimate Energy
Watts × quantity × hours × load factor ÷ 1,000 = daily kWh. Seasonal months adjust annual consumption.
02
Size Each Component
Panels: energy ÷ sunlight yield. Inverter: simultaneous load + headroom/startup. Battery: backup load × hours ÷ usable capacity and efficiency.
03
Value the Energy
Monthly daytime self-use × energy rate, plus exports × your editable export credit. Battery bill shifting is not modelled.
Seasonal sunlight and typical appliance usage are included; actual roof and household use still vary. Costs and tariffs are planning assumptions. Savings exclude fixed charges, tax changes, maintenance, financing, degradation and battery replacements.