The term "kWp" refers to the output power of a photovoltaic (PV) system, and is usually expressed in kilowatts (kW). The "p" stands for "peak," indicating the system's maximum output power under standard test conditions. The spelling of "kWp" follows English phonetics and is represented by /ˌkeɪˈdʌbljuː piː/. The "w" is pronounced as "dub-ya," while the "p" is pronounced as "pee." Proper spelling and pronunciation of this term is essential for accurate communication in the PV industry.
kWp, or kilowatt peak, is a unit of measurement used in the field of solar energy to assess the maximum capacity or power output of a photovoltaic (PV) system or module under ideal conditions. It is an abbreviation for kilowatt peak, where "kilo" refers to a unit of measurement equal to 1,000 and "watt" denotes a unit of power.
The term kWp specifically indicates the maximum power output that a solar PV system or module can generate when exposed to peak sunlight conditions, also known as Standard Test Conditions (STC). These conditions consist of a solar irradiance level of 1,000 watts per square meter, a temperature of 25 degrees Celsius, and an air mass of 1.5. The kWp rating allows for accurate comparisons between different solar panels or systems.
In practical terms, the kWp rating provides an estimation of the amount of electricity generated by a solar system over a period of time, typically over a year. However, it is important to note that actual electricity generation of a PV system can fluctuate due to factors such as climate variations, shading, orientation, and system inefficiencies.
The kWp rating is commonly utilized by installers, manufacturers, and consumers to determine the size and capacity of a solar system suitable for specific energy needs. It serves as a benchmark to assess the potential power output of a solar PV installation and aids in evaluating the economic viability of such systems.
The acronym "kWp" stands for "kilowatt peak", which refers to the peak power output of a photovoltaic (solar) energy system under standard test conditions.
In terms of etymology, "kilowatt" is derived from the combination of the metric prefix "kilo-" (meaning "thousand") and the unit "watt", which is named after James Watt, the Scottish inventor and mechanical engineer.
Meanwhile, "peak" simply refers to the maximum or highest point of something.
Therefore, the etymology of "kWp" essentially combines these terms to denote the highest power output achieved by a solar system.