P · Glossary
Power factor
Also known as PF
Power factor compares active power with apparent power in an AC circuit or device rating.
Power factor is the ratio of active power to apparent power in an AC circuit, often shown as kW (kilowatts) divided by kVA (kilovolt-amperes). In home energy documents it can appear as PF (power factor), a full-load power-factor value or a permitted lagging and leading range on inverter, battery-inverter, EV chargepoint or heat-pump electrical documents. It matters because apparent power, current, voltage and reactive power can affect how equipment ratings, connection paperwork and larger-site capacity charges are read.
Category
Electrical fundamentals
Applies to
Solar, Battery storage, EV charging, Heat pumps & AC
Last reviewed
13 Jun 2026