Quick answer
The practical explanation
Kilowatts describe power capacity at a moment in time, while kilowatt-hours describe energy produced or consumed over time. A system may be rated in kW, but utility bills and production reports usually show kWh.
What to know
Three points to keep in mind
- kW is the system’s power rating.
- kWh is the amount of energy produced or used.
- Two equal-size systems can produce different annual kWh because of shade, orientation, weather, and design.
For your home
A site-specific answer still matters
Solar results and service needs depend on the roof, equipment, shade, household electricity use, utility requirements, and the condition of the existing system. Use this guide as a starting point, then have the property and equipment evaluated before making a major decision.
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Authoritative references
This article summarizes general consumer information and is not tax, legal, insurance, engineering, or utility-rate advice.