1. What is Cost per Watt-hour?

Cost per watt-hour is a metric that breaks down the cost of energy to a per-watt-hour basis, which is useful for comparing the operating costs of generators and other energy sources on a very granular level.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses a simple conversion formula:

Where:

• Cost/Wh — Cost per watt-hour in your local currency
• Cost/kWh — Cost per kilowatt-hour in your local currency
• 1000 — Conversion factor (1000 watt-hours = 1 kilowatt-hour)

Explanation: Since there are 1000 watt-hours in a kilowatt-hour, dividing the cost per kWh by 1000 gives you the cost per watt-hour.

3. Importance of Cost per Watt-hour Calculation

Details: Calculating cost per watt-hour is particularly important for:

• Comparing generator operating costs with other power sources
• Precise cost calculations for small devices or short usage periods
• Energy efficiency analysis and budgeting
• Determining the true cost of backup power solutions

4. Using the Calculator

Tips:

• Enter the cost per kilowatt-hour in your local currency
• The value should be the actual cost you pay for generator power
• Include all costs (fuel, maintenance, etc.) for accurate calculations

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why calculate cost per watt-hour instead of just using cost per kWh?
A: Cost per watt-hour provides a more granular view of energy costs, which is particularly useful for small devices or when calculating costs for very short periods of generator use.

Q2: How accurate does my cost per kWh need to be?
A: For meaningful results, use your actual total cost including fuel, maintenance, and other operational expenses, not just the nominal electricity rate.

Q3: Can I use this for solar or battery systems?
A: Yes, this calculation works for any energy source where you know the cost per kilowatt-hour.

Q4: What's a typical cost per watt-hour for generators?
A: This varies widely based on fuel type, generator efficiency, and local fuel costs, but typically ranges from 0.0002 to 0.001 currency/Wh.

Q5: How can I reduce my generator's cost per watt-hour?
A: Improve efficiency through proper maintenance, use the right-sized generator for your load, and consider fuel-saving technologies.