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How to Calculate Total Energy Production From a 250 KW Solar System

With the ever-growing energy crisis and overall increases in the cost of electricity, many homeowners have elected to install supplemental solar energy systems on their homes. These systems are commonly sold in classes based on their maximum kilowatt potential. Determining the total amount of energy produced by a 250-kilowatt solar system requires a calculation based on several factors. This information allows homeowners to more effectively discern the overall value and payback time of a solar energy system.

Instructions

- 1
  Determine the average number of "sunlight days" in the area where the 250 kw solar energy system will be installed. This information is readily available from meteorological resources and, in some cases, local building inspectors. The term "sunlight days" refers to the average number of days in a year that are not overcast.
- 2
  Multiply the number of "sunlight days" by the average number of hours per day that the solar system will be in operation. The number of operational hours may, optionally, have a value of up to 10 percent subtracted from it to account for regular maintenance.
- 3
  Multiply the resulting figure by 250 kw.
- 4
  Divide the resulting value by 365. This final result is the maximum amount of energy, in kilowatt hours, the solar system is capable of producing per day in the geographically installed area.

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