Understanding kWh (kilowatt hours), kVA (kilovolt-amps), and kWp: Explained and Differentiated. Understanding power units like kWh, kVA, and kWp is crucial when installing hybrid solar and home inverter battery backup systems. InPower experts explain and highlight the key differences between kVA and kW informing you about these power sources so you can make the best choice and run your system at its best.
What is kWh? What does kWh mean?
The most familiar power unit term is kWh, or Kilowatt-hour. Kilowatt-hour is a unit of energy that measures the amount of electricity consumed or generated over time. It combines power (kW) with time (hours) to represent energy usage. For instance, if your home consumes 10 kWh per day, it means you've utilised 10,000 watts of power within a 24-hour period.
What is kVA? What does kVA mean?
kVA, or Kilovolt-amps, is a power unit that measures the apparent power in an electrical system. It considers both real power (kW) and reactive power. While kW refers to the actual power used to perform work, kVA accounts for the additional reactive power required to manage inductive loads. It helps determine the capacity of inverters or backup generators to handle the load.
What is kWp in Solar Power?
kWp, or Kilowatt peak, is a measure of the maximum power output capacity of a solar panel under standard test conditions (STC). kWp indicates the solar panel's efficiency and performance potential. kWp helps determine the size and output of a solar panel, enabling you to assess its ability to generate power. For example, a solar panel with a rating of 300Wp can produce 300 watts of power under STC. InPower’s 10KW Solar Kit with Battery Backup is the ideal solution if your home consumes a large amount of energy in order to run efficiently.
kVA and kW - What is the difference?
The relationship between kVA and kW varies based on the power factor, which indicates the efficiency of electrical equipment. kVA and kW each represent different aspects of an electrical system. While kW measures the actual power used to perform work, kVA encompasses both real power (kW) and reactive power. Reactive power is required to handle inductive loads and manage voltage fluctuations. The power factor needs to be considered when calculating the difference between real power (kW) and apparent power (kVA). Luckily, InPower has done all the calculations for you - use our FREE Backup Power Calculator to find the most suitable system for your home.
Understanding the meanings of kVA, kWh, and kWp is essential in hybrid solar and home inverter battery backup installations. InPower’s solutions are tailored to the unique energy needs of every home. Our residential solar and inverter battery backup solutions provide the best loadshedding solutions available.
kVA measures the apparent power, while kWh quantifies energy consumption or generation over time, and kWp represents the peak power of a solar panel. Recognising the difference between kVA and kW allows you to assess your system's power requirements accurately and understand how much power you need during loadshedding. With this, you can make informed decisions to improve the efficiency and performance of your electrical system.
Remember, kVA, kWh, and kWp play distinct roles in evaluating and maximising your hybrid solar and home inverter battery backup installations.
