Electricity usage is a crucial aspect of managing your household’s energy consumption, and the term “kilowatt-hours” (kWh) frequently appears on utility bills and in discussions about solar energy. Understanding kWh is essential for anyone looking to reduce their energy costs or explore renewable energy options. 

What is kWh a measure of? 

Kilowatt-hours are a standard unit of measurement for electric power, widely used to quantify home electricity consumption, solar energy production, and electric vehicle (EV) battery capacity. Breaking down the term: a kilowatt is 1,000 watts, and an hour is 60 minutes. Therefore, a kilowatt-hour represents 1,000 watts used over the span of one hour. 

What is 1 kWh of electricity equal to? 

To grasp what 1 kWh of electricity entails, consider the device’s wattage and its runtime. For instance, a 500-watt device running for one hour consumes 500 watt-hours or 0.5 kWh. After two hours, it uses 1 kWh. Similarly, a 2,000-watt (2 kW) device would consume 1 kWh in just 30 minutes. 

Here’s a table illustrating typical home devices’ wattages and their approximate run times to consume 1 kWh: 

Monthly Electric Bills and kWhs 

In the United States, the average household uses about 900 kWh per month to power various appliances, lights, and electronics. This consumption can vary widely based on home size, appliance efficiency, seasonal changes, and energy habits.  

How many kWh per day is normal? 

On average, an American home uses approximately 10,800 kWh annually, which breaks down to about 29.5 kWh daily. Energy consumption tends to peak in summer and winter due to the increased use of heating and cooling systems. Geographic location also plays a significant role, with the highest daily kWh usage observed in hot and humid Southern states. 

How do you calculate cost per kWh? 

To determine your electricity cost per kWh, divide your total utility bill (excluding fixed fees and taxes) by your total kWh consumption. The kWh rate is usually listed on your bill. Some regions have variable rates based on time of use (TOU) or demand-based pricing, where rates are higher during peak hours. Shifting high-wattage appliance use to non-peak times can help reduce costs. 

Average Cost Per kWh in the US 

As per the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), the average residential electricity cost in the US was about 12.36 cents per kWh in 2022. Rates vary significantly by state, with Hawaii having the highest at 39.72 cents and Wyoming the lowest at 8.24 cents per kWh. By February 2024, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported an average residential electricity price of 17.3 cents per kWh. 

Solar Panel kWh Explained 

The kWh produced by your solar panels can offset the kWh you purchase from the utility, lowering your energy bills. The value of these solar kWh credits depends on your utility’s net metering or net billing policies. To estimate solar kWh production, use the formula: Total System Wattage x Number of Peak Sun Hours. For example, a 6.8 kW system in an area with 5 peak sun hours per day would generate about 34 kWh daily. 

Learn More About How Solar Can Transform Your Electric Bill 

If you’re interested in reducing your monthly kWh usage through solar energy, reach out to a home energy expert at Solar Topps.