1. What is Watts Per Square Meter?

Watts per square meter (W/m²) is a measurement of power density or irradiance, representing the amount of power (in watts) received per unit area (square meter). It's commonly used in solar energy applications, lighting design, and heat flux calculations.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

Where:

• \( W/m² \) — Watts per square meter (power density)
• \( Power \) — Total power in watts (W)
• \( Area \) — Surface area in square meters (m²)

Explanation: This calculation shows how concentrated or spread out power is over a given area.

3. Importance in South Africa

Details: In South Africa, this measurement is particularly important for solar energy applications, given the country's abundant sunshine and growing renewable energy sector. It helps in designing solar panel installations and assessing solar resource potential.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter power in watts and area in square meters. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the power density in W/m².

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical W/m² value for sunlight in South Africa?
A: South Africa receives about 4.5-6.5 kWh/m²/day (equivalent to 187.5-270.8 W/m² average over 24 hours).

Q2: How is this used in solar panel calculations?
A: Solar panel output is often rated at 1000 W/m² (standard test condition). Actual output depends on local irradiance.

Q3: What's the difference between W/m² and lux?
A: W/m² measures total power density, while lux measures visible light intensity as perceived by the human eye.

Q4: How does this relate to heating systems?
A: In radiant heating, W/m² indicates heat flux - how much thermal energy is delivered per unit area.

Q5: What are typical values for indoor lighting?
A: Office lighting typically provides 10-20 W/m², while retail spaces may use 20-50 W/m².