Is MWp the same as MW?

Not quite. MWp is the DC peak rating of the modules at Standard Test Conditions (1,000 W/m², 25 °C). MW normally means real AC output, which is lower because of inverter and temperature losses.

How much electricity does 1 MWp produce per year?

Roughly 900–1,000 MWh in Northern Europe and 1,500–1,900 MWh in Southern Europe or the US Sun Belt, depending on irradiance, tilt and shading.

How many panels is 1 MWp?

About 2,000–2,300 modern modules at 435–500 Wp each, occupying roughly 5,000–7,000 m² of roof or 1.5–2 hectares of ground-mount land.

MWp to kWp Converter | Megawatt-peak to Kilowatt-peak

Quick Answer: Megawatt-peak to Kilowatt-peak

One megawatt-peak equals 1,000 kilowatt-peak (1 MWp = 1,000 kWp).

Conversely, 1 kWp = 0.001 MWp.

Formula: kWp = MWp × 1,000

Worked examples

0.1 MWp = 100 kWp
0.25 MWp = 250 kWp
0.5 MWp = 500 kWp

Method and limitations

Megawatt-peak and kilowatt-peak both describe the DC nameplate output of a solar array under Standard Test Conditions. The step between them is a plain SI prefix: multiply MWp by 1,000 to get kWp. Displayed values are rounded to a maximum of 6 significant decimals. Results are rounded for readability. Full precision is kept internally, so long chains of conversions do not accumulate rounding error. Where US customary and imperial units share a name (for example fluid ounces and gallons), this page uses the US customary definition.

Last updated: April 2026. Conversion factors follow internationally defined standards.

Conversion Formula

kWp = MWp × 1,000

Megawatt-peak and kilowatt-peak both describe the DC nameplate output of a solar array under Standard Test Conditions. The step between them is a plain SI prefix: multiply MWp by 1,000 to get kWp.

Complete Guide to Megawatt-peak to Kilowatt-peak Conversion

What is a Megawatt-peak?

Megawatt-peak (MWp) is the DC nameplate capacity of a solar installation measured at Standard Test Conditions. It is the unit used for utility-scale and large commercial projects.

What is a Kilowatt-peak?

Kilowatt-peak (kWp) is the same DC peak rating expressed in kilowatts. It is the unit used for residential and small commercial arrays, and the unit most subsidy schemes and grid connection forms ask for.

How the Conversion Works

Both units measure the same physical quantity, so the conversion is only a prefix change: 1 MWp = 1,000 kWp. Nothing about panel efficiency, orientation or inverter sizing enters the calculation.

Why This Conversion Matters

Project documents, tenders and grid applications mix the two units freely. Converting to a single unit is the first step before comparing capex per watt, expected yield or payback between a residential and a commercial quote.

Step-by-Step Conversion Guide

Follow these steps to convert megawatt-peak to kilowatt-peak manually:

Start with your value in megawatt-peak

Example: You want to convert 0.5 MWp

Apply the conversion formula

Use the formula: kWp = MWp × 1,000

Calculate the result

0.5 MWp = 500 kWp

✓

Verify your answer

Use our calculator above to double-check your manual calculation.

Quick Mental Math Tip

Megawatt-peak and kilowatt-peak both describe the DC nameplate output of a solar array under Standard Test Conditions. The step between them is a plain SI prefix: multiply MWp by 1,000 to get kWp.

Common Conversions

Megawatt-peak to Kilowatt-peak conversion table
Megawatt-peak (MWp)	Kilowatt-peak (kWp)	Kilowatt-peak → Megawatt-peak
0.1	100	0.1 kWp = 0.0001 MWp
0.25	250	0.25 kWp = 0.0003 MWp
0.5	500	0.5 kWp = 0.0005 MWp
1	1000	1 kWp = 0.001 MWp
2	2000	2 kWp = 0.002 MWp
2.5	2500	2.5 kWp = 0.0025 MWp
5	5000	5 kWp = 0.005 MWp
10	10000	10 kWp = 0.01 MWp
20	20000	20 kWp = 0.02 MWp
50	50000	50 kWp = 0.05 MWp
100	100000	100 kWp = 0.1 MWp