Kilowatt to Megawatt Conversion Explained

When you start researching solar panels as an alternative energy source, you’ll see wattage mentioned everywhere. Wattage is the foundation of how electricity is measured, produced, and consumed. Understanding how kilowatts (kW) convert to megawatts (MW) helps put solar system size and energy production into context.

Because energy terms are often used interchangeably (and sometimes incorrectly), this guide breaks down what each unit means, how conversions work, and where kilowatts vs. megawatts are used in solar. We’ve also included a simple conversion table you can reference anytime.

Overview

• 1 megawatt (MW) = 1,000 kilowatts (kW) = 1,000,000 watts (W)

• Kilowatts are typically used for homes and small commercial systems

• Megawatts are generally used for large commercial, utility-scale, and grid-level solar

• Converting kW to MW: divide by 1,000

• Converting MW to kW: multiply by 1,000

Watts: how we measure electricity

A watt (W) measures the rate at which electricity is produced or consumed. Think of it as the speed, not the total distance.

For example:

• A speaker using 50 watts consumes electricity at half the rate of a 100-watt speaker.

• Higher wattage means electricity is flowing faster at that moment.

This same logic applies to small home devices and large solar farms

Watts

The base unit of electrical power. A 100-watt light bulb uses 100 watts at any given moment it’s turned on.

Kilowatts

A kilowatt equals 1,000 watts.

Kilowatts are the most common unit referenced for:

• Home appliances (HVAC systems often range from ~1.5–4 kW)

• Residential solar systems (general range from 5kW to 15kW)

If a solar array is rated at 6 kW, it can produce 6,000 watts of power under ideal conditions.

Megawatts

A megawatt equals 1,000 kilowatts, or 1 million watts.

Megawatts are used to describe:

• Large commercial solar installations

• Utility-scale solar farms

• Grid-level electricity production

Gigawatts

When you get into gigawatts (GW), you’re typically looking at statewide capacity. At 1,000 megawatts (that’s a billion watts), you have enough solar energy to power 173,000 homes¹. As of the mid-2020s, the U.S. has surpassed 150 GW of installed solar capacity, led by states such as California and Texas.³

How to convert kilowatts to megawatts

Here is the straightforward way to convert kilowatts to megawatts:

kW ÷ 1,000 = MW

Example:
10,000 kW ÷ 1,000 = 10 MW

How to convert megawatts to kilowatts

To go the other direction:

MW × 1,000 = kW

Example:
1.32 MW × 1,000 = 1,320 kW

Kilowatts to megawatts conversion table

The difference between kilowatts and megawatts can feel huge (even moreso between watts and gigawatts). To simplify the process, refer to this conversion table.

Kilowatt vs kilowatt hour

When comparing kilowatts to kilowatt hours, they might look the same, but they have minor differences. Kilowatt refers to the amount of power being used or created, and kilowatt hour refers to the power used in one hour.

For example, your rice cooker at home tells you that it uses 400W. This is the measurement that it uses if it were to run for an hour, but when you cook rice, it’s usually for only 20 minutes. Therefore, your 400W rice cooker may only require ~133W (one-third of 400W) every time you use it.

On the other hand, your electric bill typically arrives with a reading in kWh. This metric tells you how many hours in a month that you used 1kW of energy. Utility companies use kilowatt hours to simplify their billing process.

How many kilowatts do I need to power my home?

Understanding kilowatts and kilowatt hours help us properly size a solar panel system for our homes. To estimate solar system size, installers look at:

1. Your average daily electricity use (kWh)

2. Your region’s average peak sun hours

According to U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average U.S. household uses about 30 kWh per day.

Example:
If your area receives 5 peak sun hours per day:

30 kWh ÷ 5 hours = 6 kW system

This is why many residential solar systems fall in the 5–8 kW range, depending on location and usage patterns.

NOTE: The above example assumes the use of net energy metering or batteries to support power needs in winter months. For assistance with these aspects and more, it’s wise to consult the pros. You can trust Sunrun’s expert Solar Advisors to guide you along your solar journey.

Why are solar panel systems sold in kilowatts?

When you learn about standard rates for solar panels, they’re typically priced by the watt. This helps compare the cost across different sized systems. However, because one kilowatt equals 1,000 watts, it’s much easier to say you’re purchasing a 6kW array rather than a 6,000W one.

Why megawatts are important

Most homeowners will rarely think in megawatts—but megawatts matter at the grid level.

Megawatts are used to:

• Measure large solar farms

• Track state and national clean energy capacity

• Support renewable energy credit programs

Depending on where you live, you may have access to performance payment programs involving solar renewable energy credits (SRECs)⁴. Provided that you own your solar panel system outright, you can sell your SRECs to utility companies for a small profit.

One of these solar credits represents 1MW of energy created, recognized by the state you live in. They typically hold a value of around $50-$75 each. That means if your solar panels produce 10MW in a year, you could earn $500-$750.

Want to learn more?

Knowing how to convert kilowatts to megawatts makes it easier to understand the wide range of numbers involved. With a grasp on electrical use and generation, you can save money on power, accurately size a solar array, and even earn a paycheck.

Rest-assured, we're here to simplify the process for you. Our expert Solar Advisors guide you through the complexities and details of solar—from understanding your energy bills, sizing your ideal system, and more.

As the nation's #1 home solar & battery installer, we provide dedicated support from initial system design to powering on your system. Our personalized approach ensures that you make the right decisions about system size, enabling you to harness the full potential of solar energy without the stress.