Gigawatt

Gigawatt

Gigawatt Definition:

A unit of electrical power equal to one billion watts. These units are most commonly used in referring to the total output of a type of energy production like solar or nuclear and can also be used to measure the total energy capacity of a state or country. 

Breaking Down a Gigawatt:

A gigawatt is a massive amount of energy equalling 1000 megawatts. That is enough to power a medium-sized city. To generate that much power in a day would take over 3 million solar panels.

Gigawatts are also used to refer to the amount of solar capacity installed in a given timeframe; usually annually or quarterly. For example, in 2017 98.9 gigawatts of solar were installed across the globe. 

Sunrun

Recommended Articles

SOLAR SAVINGS ARE BIG

See if you qualify

Go solar in 3 easy steps

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
Do you own your home?
What is your average monthly electric bill?
Thanks for your interest in Sunrun! To help you go solar, we need your approval to contact you. By clicking above, you agree that Sunrun may call & text you about Sunrun products at the phone number you entered above, using pre-recorded messages or an autodialer, even if your number is on a "Do Not Call" list. Msg & data rates may apply to text messages. Consent for calls & texts is optional. You can opt out anytime.

Thanks so much! We'll call you shortly.

Sorry, we are not taking new customers in your area yet

 

Refer a friend and get $350

Why Sunrun?

Easily compare solar companies today, and see why Sunrun is your best choice for home solar power.

Plans & Services

Find the best home solar plan within your budget today. You can go solar and save for little to $0 down with Sunrun.

Brightbox Battery Storage

Brightbox™ Battery makes storing and managing clean affordable solar energy simple and easy.

Where's Sunrun

Sunrun has hundreds of thousands customers powering their homes with renewable energy each month. Locate solar services in your state.

Solar Education

Learn how to go solar simply with Sunrun’s solar education center, including articles, videos & FAQs.

Sunrun News

From solar news to smart home energy saving tips, learn how solar is helping thousands save on rising energy costs.

Cost of Solar

As electricity rates are rising the cost of solar panels have never been lower. Switch to home solar and save with Sunrun.

Utilities

Find out more on how to lower your electric bill, how to read your electric bill once you go solar, and which green initiatives your utility is focused on today.