Solar Panel Calculator

- May 10, 2025
| |

Calculate potential solar energy production, cost savings, and return on investment for your home or business. Make informed decisions about installing solar panels based on your location, energy usage, and available roof space.

Location & Sun Exposure

hours/day
degrees

Energy Usage

kWh/month
£ per kWh
%
Percentage of your electricity you want to generate with solar
%

Solar System Details

Recommended System Size
kW
Based on your energy usage and solar conditions
panels
%
%

Financial Details

£
£ per watt
%
£
£
£ per year
years

Advanced Financial Options

years
%
%

Solar Panel System Results

Payback Period
0.0
years
Initial Investment
£0
after incentives
25-Year Savings
£0
estimated
Annual Production
0
kWh per year

Return on Investment Over Time

Monthly Energy Production

Detailed Financial Analysis

Year Energy Production (kWh) Electricity Cost Savings Running Cash Flow

Environmental Impact

🌳
CO2 Offset
0
tons over system lifetime
🚗
Equivalent to
0
cars off the road for a year
🌲
Equivalent to
0
trees planted

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About Solar Panel Systems

Solar panel systems convert sunlight into electricity, helping you reduce your energy bills and carbon footprint. The economics of solar power depend on your location, energy usage, system size, available incentives, and financing options.

Key Factors Affecting Solar Power Generation
  • Solar Irradiance: The amount of sunlight your location receives throughout the year
  • Panel Orientation: South-facing panels (in the Northern Hemisphere) typically generate the most electricity
  • Panel Tilt: The optimal tilt angle is generally equal to your latitude
  • Shading: Trees, buildings, or other obstructions can significantly reduce energy production
  • Panel Efficiency: Higher efficiency panels produce more electricity per square foot
  • System Losses: Inverter efficiency, wiring, dust, snow, and temperature all affect real-world performance
Financial Incentives for Solar
  • Federal Tax Credit: Currently 30% of system costs (as of 2023)
  • State Incentives: Many states offer additional tax credits, rebates, or performance-based incentives
  • Net Metering: Allows you to sell excess electricity back to the grid, effectively using the grid as a battery
  • SREC/Carbon Credits: Some states allow you to sell Solar Renewable Energy Certificates
  • Property Tax Exemptions: Many areas exclude solar systems from property tax assessments
  • Increased Home Value: Solar systems can increase your home's resale value

What Is the Solar Panel Calculator?

The Solar Panel Calculator is a handy tool designed to help you understand the benefits of solar energy. With this calculator, you can estimate your potential energy production, cost savings, and return on Investment for solar panel installation. It takes into account various factors like your location, energy use, and roof characteristics to give you a clear picture of what to expect.

Why Use This Calculator?

Using the Solar Panel Calculator can make the process of going solar much easier. It helps you make informed decisions by providing you with tailored information. Here are some key reasons to use it:

  • Understand the Financial aspects of solar installation.
  • Get accurate estimates based on your specific energy needs.
  • Learn how much sunlight your home receives and how this affects solar production.

Input Your Location

Your location plays a crucial role in how much energy your solar panels can generate. The calculator requires you to enter your city or postcode, which helps it assess average daily sunlight hours and overall solar potential. This feature ensures the results are relevant to your specific situation.

Assess Your Energy Usage

To get the best estimates, you need to provide details about your energy consumption. This includes your average monthly electricity usage and your electricity rate. The calculator uses this information to determine how much of your energy needs can be met by solar power, giving you a clear idea of savings.

Calculate System Size Needs

The calculator will recommend a suitable solar system size based on your energy usage and roof conditions. You can adjust factors like panel type and roof space to see how these changes impact your energy production. Knowing the right system size is key to maximizing your efficiency and savings.

Understanding Financial Details

One of the most important aspects of going solar is the financial implications. The calculator lets you input installation costs, potential tax credits, and local incentives. Understanding these numbers helps you determine your payback period and overall savings over time, making it easier to plan your investment.

Review Your Results

After entering all your information, the calculator provides detailed results, including your expected payback period and lifetime savings. You can also view charts that show your solar production and return on investment over time. This visual representation can provide valuable insights into your solar journey.

Learn About Solar Energy

The Solar Panel Calculator also includes educational resources about solar energy. You can learn about key factors like solar irradiance, panel efficiency, and available financial incentives. This information can empower you to make the best decisions regarding your solar energy system.