What is Wp (watt-peak)? How to convert to kWh
Updated on 4 min read
What is Wp? Watt-peak is the peak output of a solar panel under standard test conditions. How to convert Wp to kWh per year.
All articles
Wp (watt-peak) is the maximum power of a module under standard test conditions (STC). It tells you how strong that module is, not how many kilowatt-hours (kWh) you generate per year.
What is Wp on solar panels?
Solar panelsWp, or watt-peak, is the power a solar panel delivers under standard test conditions (STC): 1,000 watts per square metre of light and a cell temperature of 25 degrees. Manufacturers measure every type under the same conditions so you can compare panels fairly. A 450 Wp module is stronger than a 400 Wp one.
On your roof it rarely reaches that peak value. Shade, angle, temperature and cloud cover determine the real result. Wp is a comparison measure, not a promise about yearly output. How much to expect depends on direction and tilt.
From watt-peak to kilowatt-hours
Wp is about power, kilowatt-hours (kWh) about energy generated over time. In the Netherlands a system produces roughly 0.85 to 0.9 kWh per Wp per year. That is a rule of thumb for a pitched south-facing roof; your actual yield depends on orientation, shade and weather.
| Power per panel | Yield per year (indicative) |
|---|---|
| 400 Wp | approx. 340 to 360 kWh |
| 435 Wp | approx. 370 to 390 kWh |
| 450 Wp | approx. 380 to 405 kWh |
Rule of thumb 0.85 to 0.9 kWh per Wp, south-facing; yield per panel is indicative. Common panels now sit around 435 Wp. More examples: solar panel yield.
Ten 400 Wp panels make 4,000 Wp together, or 4 kWp. Multiply that total wattage by 0.85 to 0.9 for a first estimate of your yearly output in kWh.
How much watt-peak per solar panel?
Common monocrystalline panels often sit between 400 and 450 Wp. Higher watt-peak per unit means you need fewer panels for the same total wattage on your roof. That helps when roof space is limited.
More Wp per module does not automatically mean a better deal. Also look at price per watt-peak, warranty, inverter and how it sits on your roof. In a quote we always compare the full system, not just the number on the sticker.
Is the biggest solar panel the best?
On a quote the biggest number looks like the winner. That number is watt-peak, not the physical size of the panel. Common panels sit between 400 and 450 Wp. More Wp per unit helps when your roof is small, because you need fewer panels for the same wattage.
The highest Wp figure is not automatically the better deal. Look at price per watt-peak, how the panel sits on your roof, and what you use yourself. Need length, width and weight? That lives on our page about solar panel sizes.
Why it matters in your quote
On a small roof, high power per module helps: you need fewer units for the same kWp. On a large roof, price per watt-peak often weighs more than the highest Wp figure. It is about the combination of power, yield and what you use yourself.
We pick the wattage that fits your roof, use and meter cabinet. Want to know how much watt-peak you need? Start with your yearly use in kWh on your annual statement and read more on our page about yield and return, or request a quote via solar panels.
Solar panels are still a smart investment in 2026. A few things matter if you want the most from your own power.
Your energy use
Planning to drive, cook or heat electrically? Factor that into how many panels you install now.
Spread the yield
Spread panels across roof faces so you generate through the day and use more of your own energy.
Your data
Choose a system with its own 4G connection and data storage in Europe so your information stays secure.
Boost your energy
A smart home battery stores today's power for later, so you use more of your own electricity after sunset.
We install your solar panels in a day
We can often start within three weeks. A day later your panels are on the roof and everything is connected. We leave your home clean and make sure you know exactly how it all works.
- Use more of your own power during the day
- 0% VAT makes the investment even more attractive
Frequently asked questions
Wp is watt-peak: the maximum power of a module under standard test conditions. It tells you how strong it is, not how many kWh you generate per year.
Not necessarily. On a small roof, high power per unit helps. On a large roof, price per watt-peak often matters more. It is about the combination of power, yield and price.
Watt-peak is power (how strong a panel is), kilowatt-hour is energy over time (how much you generate). The rule of thumb of 0.85 to 0.9 kWh per Wp converts Wp into kWh per year.
Wp is the power of one panel. kWp (kilowatt-peak) is the total of all your panels together. Ten 400 Wp panels are 4 kWp.
That depends on your yearly use in kWh. Check your annual statement for how much electricity you use and divide by 0.85 to 0.9 for a first estimate. Our solar yield page has concrete calculation examples.
Rarely. That test is ideal: full light, 25 degrees. Wp is a comparison measure between modules. You estimate yearly output with the rule of thumb, not the peak value on the label.
On a quote, "biggest" usually means the highest Wp figure, not the widest panel. Common modules sit between 400 and 450 Wp. The highest number is not automatically the best choice for your roof. For length, width and weight, see solar panel sizes.
Discover what smart energy can do for you
In about an hour you get insight into your savings, the options for your home and when the investment pays back. Straightforward, honest advice so you know exactly where you stand.
Smart energy at home
- Upgrade your home with our smart battery
- Our solar panels deliver up to 25% more energy
- A heat pump to minimise your energy use
- Charge your electric car easily at home with an EV charger
Booking an advice call is easy
Fill in your details below. Within a day we will contact you to schedule a no-obligation advice call together.
Related articles
