Energy Explorer
Visualise flowing electric charge, adjust voltage and current, and watch power and energy accumulate in real time. Includes guided experiments, a quiz, and educational content on solar panels and battery storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Watts and Kilowatt-hours?
A Watt (W) measures power — the rate at which energy is used. A Kilowatt-hour (kWh) measures total energy consumed over time. 1 kWh = 1000 W running for 1 hour. Your electricity bill is measured in kWh.
How do solar panels generate electricity?
Solar panels use the photovoltaic effect: photons from sunlight knock electrons loose in silicon cells, creating a flow of direct current (DC). An inverter converts this to alternating current (AC) for household use.
How long does it take to charge an electric car at home?
With a typical 7 kW home charger and a 60 kWh EV battery, a full charge takes about 8–9 hours (60 ÷ 7 ≈ 8.6). This is why most EV owners charge overnight.
What does a home battery actually store?
A home battery like the Tesla Powerwall stores 13.5 kWh of electrical energy. This is enough to power an average home for roughly half a day, bridging the gap between daytime solar production and nighttime usage.
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