To determine the total wattage of 50 photovoltaic (PV) panels, the calculation depends on the **rated power per panel**, which varies by technology and manufacturer. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
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### Key Factors Influencing Total Wattage
1. **Panel Wattage Range**:
- Most commercial solar panels range from **300W to 450W** per unit.
- For example:
- 50 × 350W panels = **17,500W (17.5 kW)**.
- 50 × 400W panels = **20,000W (20 kW)**.
2. **Efficiency Losses**:
- Real-world conditions (e.g., shading, temperature, dust) reduce output by **10–25%**.
- Example: A 20 kW system might yield **15–18 kW** under optimal sunlight.
3. **Technology Variations**:
- **Monocrystalline panels**: Higher efficiency (~20–22%), often rated 350–450W.
- **Polycrystalline panels**: Lower efficiency (~15–17%), typically 250–350W.
4. **Application Context**:
- Residential systems often use 350–400W panels.
- Utility-scale projects may deploy 500W+ bifacial panels.
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### Practical Example
If each panel is rated at **400W**:
- Total capacity = 50 × 400W = **20,000W (20 kW)**.
- Annual output (assuming 4 peak sun hours/day):
- 20 kW × 4 h × 365 days = **29,200 kWh/year**.
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### Critical Notes
- **Shading Impact**: Partial shading (e.g., from trees) can disproportionately reduce output (see studies on mismatch losses in PV systems).
- **Inverter Limits**: Ensure inverters match the system’s DC rating (e.g., a 20 kW array may require a 15–18 kW inverter).
For precise calculations, always refer to the panel’s datasheet and local irradiance data.
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