Specific Yield (kWh/kWp)
The annual energy production per kilowatt of installed solar capacity, measuring how effectively a system converts nameplate capacity into actual production. US values range from 1,000-1,800 kWh/kWp depending on location.
Why It Matters
Specific yield normalizes production across system sizes. A system in Arizona producing 1,700 kWh/kWp dramatically outperforms one in Seattle at 1,100 kWh/kWp.
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.
Performance Ratio (PR)
The percentage of a solar system's theoretical maximum output that is actually achieved, accounting for all real-world losses (temperature, shading, soiling, wiring, inverter). Typical: 75-85%.
Peak Sun Hours
The equivalent number of hours per day when solar irradiance averages 1,000 watts per square meter. Varies by location.