Solar Calculator

Compare solar systems, analyze costs, and calculate payback periods

Import Data

Home Energy Data

Enter your current electricity usage and rates

Yearly Usage (kWh)Check your annual bill or utility statements

Monthly Usage (kWh)Average monthly consumption

Electricity Rate ($/kWh)What you pay per kWh

Grid Buy-Back Rate ($/kWh)What utility pays you for excess power

Monthly Fixed Costs ($)Service charges, delivery fees, etc.

Energy Inflation Rate (%)Expected annual rate increase (default 3%)

HYSA Interest Rate (%)High-Yield Savings Account rate for opportunity cost analysis (default 4.5%)

Current Energy Costs

Yearly Total

$3240.00

15,000 kWh/year

Monthly Average

$270.00

1250 kWh/month

Daily Average

$8.88

41 kWh/day

Savings Goal Calculator

Work backwards from your savings goal to estimate system requirements

Target Monthly Savings ($)How much do you want to reduce your monthly bill?

Target Payback Period (years)How quickly do you want to break even?

Peak Sun Hours/DayBased on your location (3-6 typical for most US locations)

Annual Savings Goal

$1,800/year

Maximum System Cost

$9,000

For 5-year payback

20-Year Total Savings

$27,000

ROI: 300%

Estimated System Requirements

Required Production

9,000 kWh

24.7 kWh/day · 750 kWh/month

Estimated System Size

7.3 kW

~19 panels @ 400W

Coverage

60%

of your usage

Note: These are rough estimates assuming 4 sun hours/day and 85% system efficiency. Actual requirements vary based on location, system specifications, and grid interaction settings. Use the System tabs to configure precise systems.

Solar Incentives

Enter any tax credits, rebates, or incentives you're eligible for

Note: The federal 30% solar tax credit (ITC) has expired. Check your state and local utility for current incentive programs.

Federal Tax Credit (%)Enter percentage if applicable in your area

State Rebate ($)One-time state rebate amount

Local Utility Incentives ($)Local utility company incentives

SREC Value ($/year)Solar Renewable Energy Credits (annual)

Apply these incentives to all systemsIf unchecked, you can set different incentives per system (future feature)

Total Incentives Summary

Federal Tax Credit

30% of system cost

Total Fixed Rebates

Add at least one solar system to see the summary and comparison.