kW vs kWh

A simple guide for homeowners considering solar

kWh (kilowatt-hour), on the other hand, is about energy over time. This is like the size of a water tank - how much water you can collect and use later. Your electricity bill is measured in kWh, and batteries are rated in kWh too. For example, if you run a 1 kW appliance for 5 hours, you've used 5 kWh. A 10 kWh battery could store that amount of energy for use after sunset.

For homeowners, the takeaway is simple:

Solar panels (kW) = how big your tap is (how much energy you can make at once).

Batteries (kWh) = how big your tank is (how much energy you can keep for later).

By understanding this difference, you'll be able to size your solar and battery system correctly - ensuring you generate enough power during the day and store enough to use at Think of it like this: kW (kilowatt) is about power at a single night or during blackouts. moment. It's like the size of a water tap - how much water can flow out right now. In solar, kW usually refers to the size of your system. For example, a 5kW solar system can produce up to 5kW of power when the sun is shining brightly.