If you’ve ever researched solar panels or battery storage systems, you’ve probably seen terms like kW and kWh thrown around. They look almost identical, just one letter apart, but that single letter makes all the difference in how energy is measured, used, and stored.
At NeoVolta, we know that understanding these terms helps homeowners make smarter decisions about their power. So, let’s break it down in simple terms.
Understanding kW: Kilowatts
kW (kilowatt) is a measure of power, the rate at which electricity is used or produced at a given moment.
Think of it like the horsepower of your car engine. The higher the kilowatt rating, the more energy your system can deliver at once.
For example:
- A 5-kW solar system can produce up to 5 kilowatts of power when the sun is shining at its peak.
- A 7.7 kW battery inverter (like NeoVolta’s NV14 or NV16) can deliver up to 7.7 kilowatts of power to your home at any given time.
In other words, kW tells you how powerful the system is right now.
Understanding kWh: Kilowatt-Hours
kWh (kilowatt-hour) measures energy, the amount of electricity used or produced over time.
If kilowatts are like your car’s horsepower, kilowatt-hours are like the miles you can drive.
For example:
- A NeoVolta NV16 battery stores 16.8 kWh of usable energy.
- That means it can continuously power a 1 kW load (about a few lights and appliances) for 16.8 hours, or a 2-kW load for roughly 8.4 hours.
kWh = power × time.
This tells you how much energy your solar panels produce or how long your battery can keep your home running.
Why It Matters for Homeowners
Understanding the difference between kW and kWh is more than just technical jargon, it’s the foundation for understanding how your solar and storage system performs.
Here’s why it’s important:
- Battery Storage Capacity: The kWh rating tells you how much energy your battery can store. More kWh means longer backup power and greater self-sufficiency.
- Power Output: The kW rating tells you how much electricity the system can deliver at once. If your power needs exceed the inverter’s output, you might need to size up.
- Energy Independence: Matching your kW power output with the right kWh storage capacity ensures you can run essential appliances and extend your backup duration efficiently.
When evaluating a home energy storage system, you want a balance between both, enough power (kW) to handle your peak loads, and enough capacity (kWh) to sustain your energy needs.
The NeoVolta Advantage
NeoVolta systems are designed to excel in both areas. With up to 7.7 kW of continuous power output and up to 24 kWh of expandable storage, NeoVolta batteries deliver both high performance and long-lasting energy for your home.
That means you don’t just have a powerful system, you have one that keeps powering your home efficiently, day and night.
Whether you’re offsetting your energy bills, preparing for outages, or building toward full energy independence, understanding kW and kWh helps you get the most from your investment, and with NeoVolta, that investment is built to last.
In Short
- kW = Power (how much energy is being used or produced at a given moment)
- kWh = Energy (how much total energy is used or stored over time)
Both matter, but together, they tell the full story of your home’s energy potential.