When deciding on a new heating system, the first question that comes to mind is usually the same one: "How much will this add to my bill?" The answer is often brushed off with "it depends." In reality, though, calculating electric heating consumption is far easier than most people assume.
A panel's power rating is fixed, and you decide how long it runs. With just these two numbers, you can work out daily and monthly consumption in minutes. In this guide you'll find the formula, sample calculations based on Sunlike Tec models, and the factors that determine real-world consumption. Because the price of electricity varies from country to country — and even from tariff to tariff — we recommend completing the final step of the calculation with your own bill.
The Formula Is Simple: Watts × Hours ÷ 1000
Electricity consumption is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). To find a device's consumption, this formula is all you need:
Consumption (kWh) = Power (W) × Operating time (hours) ÷ 1000
Cost = Consumption (kWh) × your electricity tariff's kWh rate
The critical variable here is "operating time." The formula assumes the panel runs continuously at full power for that entire period. With thermostat-controlled use, the real picture is different; we cover that separately below.
Sample Calculations with Sunlike Tec Models
The table below is based solely on the power ratings in the catalog. Assumption: SL Series panels are assumed to run 5 hours a day, and OYKİ Series heaters 4 hours a day, continuously and at full power. The 30-day figure assumes the same usage pattern repeats every day for a month.
| Model | Power | Assumed duration | Daily consumption | 30-day consumption |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SL 160 | 160 W | 5 hours | 0.8 kWh | 24 kWh |
| SL 450 | 450 W | 5 hours | 2.25 kWh | 67.5 kWh |
| SL 640 | 640 W | 5 hours | 3.2 kWh | 96 kWh |
| SL 900 | 900 W | 5 hours | 4.5 kWh | 135 kWh |
| OYKİ 1500+ | 1500 W | 4 hours | 6 kWh | 180 kWh |
| OYKİ 3200+ | 3200 W | 4 hours | 12.8 kWh | 384 kWh |
A room example: imagine a 16 m² bedroom using two SL 450 units (each rated for 8 m² of heating area). Combined power is 900 W. Under the same assumption, running at full power for 5 hours a day gives a consumption of 900 × 5 ÷ 1000 = 4.5 kWh.
Heating-area figures depend on insulation, usage pattern, and building construction (catalog footnote).
How Does a Thermostat Actually Affect Consumption?
A panel used with a thermostat switches off once the room reaches its target temperature, and switches back on when the temperature drops. Because of this, the time the panel is "on" is not the same as the time it actually runs at full power — the real operating time is usually shorter.
How much shorter depends on the building. In a well-insulated room, the panel cycles on less often; in a space with high heat loss, it runs more frequently. With infrared heating, the walls, floor, and furnishings also warm up and store some of that heat for a while, which helps keep the temperature more stable. Read the table values, therefore, as a reference point based on the assumption of continuous full-power operation.
Factors That Determine Consumption
- Insulation: The lower the heat loss, the less the panel needs to run.
- Room volume and ceiling height: A space with high ceilings at the same floor area may require more energy.
- Outdoor temperature: A mild Mediterranean winter and Northern Europe's long cold months don't create the same demand.
- Choosing the right model: A panel that's too small for the space runs for long stretches; one that's too large is simply an unnecessary investment.
- Zonal and intermittent use: When each room is heated by its own panel, it becomes possible to heat only the room in use, only during the hours it's in use.
- Thermostat and timer: The most practical way to limit heating to actual need.
What Does an Independent Measurement Show?
Peter Kosack of TU Kaiserslautern compared two apartments in the same old building during the 2008/2009 heating season. The 102.6 m² apartment with infrared heating consumed a total of 7,305.92 kWh between 1 October 2008 and 30 April 2009 — equivalent to 71.21 kWh per square meter. The apartment with low-temperature gas heating recorded 208.73 kWh/m². The result: infrared heating consumed 65.9% less final energy.
Let's be honest about the context: this is a comparison of final energy (kWh), not cost. The comparison was made against gas, and it's based on a single building and a single season. For those generating their own electricity via solar power (PV), the meaning of consumption changes as well; we cover this in detail in our solar-integration guide and in our article "Heat Pump or Infrared + Solar?"
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How is an infrared panel's electricity consumption calculated?
You multiply the panel's power (W) by its operating time (hours) and divide the result by 1,000; that gives you consumption in kWh. To find the cost, multiply this figure by the kWh rate on your bill. With thermostat-controlled use, the real operating time is usually shorter than the full-power assumption used in this calculation.
Q: How much electricity does an SL 450 panel use per day?
The SL 450 has a power rating of 450 W. For example, if it runs at full power for 5 hours a day, it consumes 450 × 5 ÷ 1000 = 2.25 kWh. The actual figure varies depending on insulation, outdoor temperature, and thermostat use.
Q: Does an infrared panel use more electricity than an air conditioner?
Air conditioners work on the heat-pump principle and can extract more heat than the electricity they consume; an infrared panel converts electricity directly into heat. On the other hand, infrared delivers heat directly to people and surfaces rather than to the air, and it can be run only in the space being used, only during the hours it's needed. Which one ultimately consumes less depends on the specific usage scenario; it wouldn't be accurate to give a single definitive comparison.
Q: Does using a thermostat lower consumption?
A thermostat switches the panel off once the room reaches its target temperature, preventing unnecessary operation. Because of this, the real operating time is usually shorter. How much shorter depends on insulation, outdoor temperature, and usage habits.
Q: How many watts do I need for my room?
According to catalog values, the SL 160 is designed for roughly 3 m², the SL 450 for 8 m², and the SL 900 for 17 m² of heating area. These figures depend on insulation, usage pattern, and building construction. For the right power rating, you can use our heating-power calculator or have our experts carry out a needs analysis.
Q: Can an infrared panel be powered by solar energy (PV)?
Yes. Because Sunlike Tec panels run on electricity with no combustion involved, they can be powered by the electricity a rooftop solar system produces. Matching solar (PV) capacity to heating needs varies by project; we recommend planning this together with our experts.
Q: Can Sunlike Tec panels be used in different countries?
Our products carry UKCA (United Kingdom) and CE (European Economic Area) conformity markings. The OYKİ Series operates on 220–240 V. Please confirm compatibility with your country's electrical infrastructure and local regulations with our experts.
Let's Calculate Your Consumption Together
Share your space's dimensions, insulation condition, and usage habits, and let's work out your expected consumption together with the right model and placement. For a needs analysis, visit sunliketec.com or write to info@sunliketec.com. Phone: +90 850 304 94 34.
Sources
- Kosack, P. (2009). Comparative Measurements between Infrared Radiant Heating and Gas Heating Systems in Old Buildings. Research report, TU Kaiserslautern (Arbeitskreis Ökologisches Bauen).
- Sunlike Tec Product Catalog (2026)
- Sunlike Tec User and Installation Manual