Solar Energy Converter
Convert between solar irradiance and solar energy units
Conversion Formula:
kWh/m²/day = W/m² × 0.024 (assuming constant 24h irradiance)
Common Conversions
Understanding Solar Energy Units
Solar irradiance is the power per unit area received from the sun. It's typically measured in watts per square meter (W/m²).
Insolation (solar radiation energy) is the energy received over time, often measured as kilowatt-hours per square meter per day (kWh/m²/day).
The solar constant is approximately 1,367 W/m² at the top of Earth's atmosphere. At the Earth's surface, this is reduced to about 1,000 W/m² under clear sky conditions due to atmospheric absorption and scattering.
Typical Solar Energy Applications
| Application | Minimum | Optimal |
|---|---|---|
| Standard PV Panels | 200 W/m² | 1000 W/m² |
| Concentrated Solar Power | 500 W/m² | 800+ W/m² |
| Solar Water Heating | 300 W/m² | 700+ W/m² |
| Small Electronics | 50 W/m² | 200+ W/m² |
| Viable Solar Farm | 4 kWh/m²/day | 5.5+ kWh/m²/day |
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Visual Comparison
Solar Energy Visualization
Input: 1.00e+3 w/m2
(1.00e+3 W/m²)
Output: 24 kwh/m2/day
(1,000 W/m²)
Current Energy Level:
PV Output (20% efficiency):
Suitable Solar Applications:
Solar Energy Facts:
- • The solar constant (1,367 W/m²) is the solar irradiance in Earth orbit
- • Atmosphere reduces solar irradiance by 20-30% even on clear days
- • Desert regions receive up to 2,200 kWh/m²/year of solar radiation
- • Modern solar panels have efficiency ratings of 15-22%
- • Cloud cover can reduce solar irradiance by 60-90%
- • Solar intensity varies with time of day, season, and latitude
Mobile tip: Swipe left or right on the unit dropdown to quickly change units, or use the arrow buttons
About the Solar Energy Converter
Convert between solar irradiance and solar energy units All conversions run instantly in your browser and nothing you enter is sent to a server.
Common Conversion Formulas
| From | To | Formula |
|---|---|---|
| Irradiance (W/m²) | Energy (kWh/m²) | kWh/m² = (W/m² × hours) / 1,000 |
| Solar Constant | Average irradiance outside Earth's atmosphere | 1,361 W/m² |
| PV Electricity (kWh) | Irradiance (kWh/m²), Area (m²), Efficiency (%) | kWh = kWh/m² × Area × (Efficiency/100) |
| Daily Insolation | Peak Sun Hours (PSH) | Daily Energy (kWh/m²) = PSH |