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PerformanceUp to date · Jan 15, 2026

Specific Power (kWh/kWp)

The energy output per unit of installed capacity over a period (typically one year). Expressed as kWh per kWp (kilowatt-peak). A good residential system in the U.S. achieves 1,200-1,800 kWh/kWp annually.

Why It Matters

Specific power normalizes performance across different system sizes. If your 8 kW system produces 12,000 kWh/year, your specific power is 1,500 kWh/kWp — a healthy number in most U.S. regions.

Related Topics

solar panel maintenance

Related Terms

Capacity Factor

The ratio of actual energy produced by a system to its maximum potential output. Solar typically has a 15-25% capacity factor.

Peak Sun Hours

The equivalent number of hours per day when solar irradiance averages 1,000 watts per square meter. Varies by location.

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