1. What is Solar Sun Hours?

Solar Sun Hours, also known as Peak Sun Hours, represent the equivalent number of hours per day when solar irradiance averages 1000 W/m². It's a standardized way to express daily solar energy availability for photovoltaic system design and analysis.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Peak Hours formula:

Where:

• \( Peak\ Hours \) — Equivalent full sun hours per day (h)
• \( Daily\ Insolation \) — Total solar energy received per square meter per day (Wh/m²)
• \( 1000 \) — Standard solar irradiance reference (W/m²)

Explanation: This calculation converts total daily solar energy into equivalent hours of peak sunlight, simplifying solar system sizing and energy production estimates.

3. Importance of Peak Hours Calculation

Details: Accurate peak hours calculation is essential for proper solar system design, energy production forecasting, battery storage sizing, and determining the economic viability of solar installations.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter daily insolation in Wh/m². This value can be obtained from solar radiation databases, meteorological stations, or solar maps specific to your location.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between daily insolation and peak sun hours?
A: Daily insolation measures total energy received (Wh/m²), while peak sun hours express this as equivalent hours at standard 1000 W/m² irradiance.

Q2: What are typical peak sun hours values?
A: Values range from 2-3 hours in cloudy regions to 6-7 hours in sunny desert areas. The global average is approximately 4-5 peak sun hours.

Q3: How does season affect peak sun hours?
A: Peak sun hours vary significantly by season, with higher values in summer and lower in winter due to changes in sun angle and day length.

Q4: Why is 1000 W/m² used as the standard?
A: 1000 W/m² represents the approximate solar irradiance at sea level on a clear day with the sun directly overhead, making it a convenient reference point.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation for solar system design?
A: This provides a good estimate, but professional solar design should consider additional factors like temperature, shading, panel orientation, and system losses.