A 400-Watt solar panel does not produce 400 watts of alternate current because there is conversion loss as well.
For residential use, 400-Watt solar panels can run appliances like laptops, ceiling fans, slow cookers, and even televisions.
Even a small refrigerator with a 120Ah battery can also be operated.
Commercially, in the irrigation sector, a 400-Watt solar panel can run surface pumps, submersible pumps, and booster pumps as well.
Ideally, a 400-Watt solar panel is not sufficient for an air-conditioner that runs for hours.
What Is Solar Irradiance?
Solar energy is harnessed into electric energy which then powers our houses and appliances. A specific term used for sunlight is called solar irradiance which means the density of radiation per square ft.
Simply put it is the amount of solar radiation that reaches the solar panel. Solar Irradiance is directly proportional to electricity generation.
Solar panels’ output depends directly on the sun’s strength which means the output may be weaker in the mornings but will be stronger at noon.
What Is Meant by Characteristic Resistance?
All electrical devices have an internal resistance. Internal Resistance refers to the opposition to the flow of current by cells and batteries themselves. In the case of Solar Panels, it is called characteristic resistance.
Solar Panels mostly have an IR of 3 ohms.
To obtain maximum power generation, the load resistance must be equal to the solar panel’s characteristic resistance.
However, most solar devices automatically adjust their internal resistance and generate maximum output.
How Are Solar Irradiance and Characteristic Resistance Linked?
Electricity production depends on two main factors.
- Sun Irradiance(the density of radiation per unit area)
- The characteristic resistance of solar panels matches the internal resistance.
As solar radiation will fall on the solar panel, the maximum area it will cover will ensure there is a conversion into electric energy which is then converted into electricity to power our devices and appliances.
When the load resistance is equal to the characteristic resistance of the solar panel, maximum power output is generated. So, both these factors are directly linked to each other.
How Much Electricity Is Produced By A 400-Watt Solar Panel?
It is important to know how much electricity is produced by a 400-Watt Solar panel.
To have a better understanding of its operation, calculate how much energy (Watt-hours).
It generates under optimum conditions and will also help us in figuring out which appliances can a 400-Watt solar panel run.
Watts of solar panel x peak sunlight hours=energy in watts-hours/day
400 x 4 = 1600 watt-hours/day
In an ideal situation of 4 peak-sunlight hours, an average of 1600 watt-hours of energy is generated from a 400-Watt solar panel. 10% of the energy is lost in conversion which means there are around 1440 watt-hours of energy generated per day.
Size And Specifications Of A 400 Watt Solar Panel
Usually, a 400-watt solar panel has a
- Size-39 inches into 21.5
- Weight-24- 31 Pounds
- Power Output-roughly 360 watts because of conversion loss.
- Number of Solar Cells – 60
Appliances That A 400-Watt Solar Panel Can Run
Various daily-life appliances are 400 watts or below. A homeowner needs to distribute the load evenly, as some appliances need more power than others.
| Appliances | Watts | Appliances | Watts |
| Ceiling Fan | 60 | Home Sound System | 95 |
| Corn Popper | 275 | Monitor | 250 |
| Dehumidifier | 240 | Rice Cooker | 200 |
| Desktop Computer | 100 | Slow Cooker | 160 |
| Electric Blanket | 200 | Projector | 270 |
| Electric Hedge Trimmer | 300 | Paper Shredder | 220 |
| Food Processor | 360 | VCR | 100 |
These are some of the daily use devices that can be operated if you have a 400-watt solar panel at home.
In the irrigation sector, a 400-watt solar panel can run booster pumps, submersible pumps, surface, and sump pumps.
Can A Refrigerator Operate On A 400-Watts Solar Panel?
A refrigerator can be operated with a 400-watts solar panel, only if it is
- Medium-sized
- Has a battery lithium phosphate battery of 120Ah
- Has a 500-watt inverter
It is not impossible to operate a refrigerator with a 400-watts solar panel however it needs some additional requirements.
Refrigerators operate day and night and require a constant flow of current and solar panels work with solar energy.
An additional battery and inverter are used as a power backup to make the refrigerator run at night too.
The same is the case with air-conditioners and other appliances that need a continuous flow of current.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of 400-Watt Solar Panel
A monocrystalline 400-Watt Solar Panel has the following advantages and disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Highly Efficient- The conversion rate of these types of solar panels is 3% higher than other solar panels. | Expensive- One Unit of 400-watt solar panel costs too much. It is like spending $160-$190 for 30-50 units per hour. |
| Environmentally Friendly- The components of these solar panels do not have any hazardous materials like lead and mercury. | No Expansion- 400-Watt solar panels do not allow expansion; the average power output is limited. |
How Can Power Supply Be Distributed Evenly Among All Appliances?
Every appliance has a different voltage requirement and solar panels do not have an intelligence chip so homeowners need to come up with a solution for this.
For even distribution of electricity among all appliances a person can multi solar panels because distribution from a single 400-watt solar panel can result in energy depletion of each appliance.
Conclusion
Shifting to solar power is a sustainable growth option and adding a 400-watt solar panel to your home is a good option.
A 400-Watt solar panel can run many appliances such as desktop computers, food processors, and even medium-sized refrigerators with an additional 120Ah lithium phosphate battery.
Combining multiple 400-watt solar panels can operate your house fully.
The efficiency of solar panels depends on solar irradiance and characteristic resistance.
If your geographic location allows 4-5 peak sun hours, your solar panel is more likely to reach its maximum potential.
Using solar panels for operating your devices is cost-effective and poses zero threats to the environment since most of the solar panels are recyclable.
