1. What is the Watts to kWh Cost Calculator?

This calculator helps you determine how much your electrical appliances cost to run based on their power consumption (watts), usage time (hours), and your local electricity rate (PHP/kWh). It's particularly useful for Philippine households and businesses to estimate their electricity bills.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following formula:

Where:

• \( W \) — Power consumption in watts
• \( h \) — Usage time in hours
• \( Cost/kWh \) — Electricity rate in Philippine Pesos per kilowatt-hour

Explanation: The formula first converts watt-hours to kilowatt-hours (kWh) by dividing by 1000, then multiplies by the cost per kWh to get the total cost.

3. Understanding Electricity Costs

Details: In the Philippines, electricity rates vary by region and provider (Meralco, VECO, etc.), typically ranging from PHP 8 to PHP 15 per kWh. The calculator uses PHP 12/kWh as default, which is close to the Meralco residential rate as of 2023.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips:

• Find your appliance's wattage on its label or manual
• For devices with variable power, use average wattage
• Check your latest electric bill for your exact kWh rate
• For multiple appliances, calculate each separately and sum the costs

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I find my appliance's wattage?
A: Check the label, manual, or manufacturer's website. Alternatively, use a wattmeter for precise measurement.

Q2: What's the average electricity rate in the Philippines?
A: Rates vary but average around PHP 10-12/kWh for residential customers, with higher rates in some areas.

Q3: How accurate is this calculator?
A: It provides estimates. Actual bills may vary due to tiered pricing, taxes, and other charges.

Q4: Can I use this for solar panel calculations?
A: Yes, to estimate savings, but account for system efficiency (typically 70-80% of rated output).

Q5: Why does my actual bill differ from the calculation?
A: Bills include fixed charges, taxes, and may use tiered pricing where rates change with consumption levels.