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Did you know?
Quick and interesting facts related to solar energy. For more terms and explanations, consult our solar glossary.
- One kilowatt equals 1,000 watts.
- One kilowatt-hour (kWh) equals the amount of electricity needed to burn a 100 watt light bulb for 10 hours.
- A sunny location (like Los Angeles, California, US) receives an average of 5.5 hours of sunlight per day each year.
- A cloudy location (like Hamburg, Germany) receives 2.5 hours per day of sunlight each year.
- A 1 kilowatt peak solar system generates around 1,600 kilowatt hours per year in a sunny climate and about 750 kilowatt hours per year in a cloudy climate.
- A solar energy system can provide electricity 24 hours a day when the solar electric modules are combined with batteries in one integrated energy system.
- Solar modules produce electricity even on cloudy days, usually around 10-20% of the amount produced on sunny days.
- The typical components of a solar home system include the solar module, an inverter, a battery, a charge controller (sometimes known as a regulator), wiring, and support structure.
- A typical silicon cell solar module will have a life in excess of 20 years
- Monthly average residential consumption of electricity in the US in 2008 was 920 kilowatt hours. (Source: US DOE)
- Monthly average residential electricity bill in the US in 2008 was $103.67. (Source: US DOE)
