Does this include local rebates?

No. Add them manually by reducing cost per watt or subtracting from net cost.

Does shading/tilt affect this?

Yes. This is simplified. Actual production varies with tilt/orientation/shading.

Is the tax credit always 30%?

Currently common in the U.S., but subject to change. Enter your applicable rate.

Does this include battery/storage?

No. This focuses on PV. Storage adds cost; update cost per watt if including storage.

Is this a final quote?

No. It’s a ballpark estimate. Get installer quotes for specifics.

energy calculator

Solar Panel Cost Calculator

Estimate system size and cost from monthly kWh usage, sun hours, cost per watt, and tax credit.

Results

Estimated system size (kW): 7.41
System size (W): 7,407.407
Estimated gross cost: $20,370
Estimated tax credit: $6,111
Estimated net cost: $14,259

How to use this calculator

Enter monthly kWh usage from your utility bill.
Enter average sun hours per day and system efficiency.
Enter cost per watt and tax credit rate.
Review system size (kW/W) and gross/net cost.

Inputs explained

Sun hours: Average peak sun hours; varies by location (e.g., ~4–6 in many US regions).
Efficiency: Inverter/system efficiency (90% default). Lower for older/less efficient setups.
Cost per watt: Installed cost per watt. Adjust for local market quotes.

How it works

Daily kWh = Monthly kWh ÷ 30. System kW = Daily kWh ÷ (Sun hours × Efficiency). Gross cost = Watts × $/W. Tax credit = Gross × credit rate. Net cost = Gross − credit.

Formula

Daily kWh = Monthly ÷ 30
kW = Daily kWh ÷ (Sun hours × Efficiency)
Gross cost = Watts × $/W
Tax credit = Gross × Credit rate
Net cost = Gross − Credit

When to use it

Quick budgetary estimate for a solar system size and cost.
Comparing cost with/without tax credit.
Checking if quotes align with a ballpark cost per watt.

Tips & cautions

Quotes vary by region and incentives; this is a ballpark.
Include additional incentives manually if available (SRECs, rebates).
Adjust sun hours based on your location for better accuracy.
Simplified sizing; does not include tilt, shading, temperature losses.
Tax credit rules vary; this assumes a single rate on gross cost.
Soft costs and interconnection fees may vary from the cost per watt assumption.

Worked examples

900 kWh/mo, 4.5 sun hours, 90% eff, $2.75/W, 30% credit

kW ≈ 900/30 ÷ (4.5×0.9) ≈ 7.4 kW
Gross ≈ 7.4kW × 1000 × $2.75 ≈ $20,350
Credit ≈ $6,105
Net ≈ $14,245

600 kWh/mo, 5 sun hours, 88% eff, $3.00/W, 30% credit

kW ≈ 600/30 ÷ (5×0.88) ≈ 4.55 kW
Gross ≈ $13,650
Credit ≈ $4,095
Net ≈ $9,555

Deep dive

Estimate solar system size and cost by entering monthly kWh, sun hours, cost per watt, and tax credit rate.

See gross and net cost with a ballpark system size for initial budgeting.

FAQs

Does this include local rebates?: No. Add them manually by reducing cost per watt or subtracting from net cost.
Does shading/tilt affect this?: Yes. This is simplified. Actual production varies with tilt/orientation/shading.
Is the tax credit always 30%?: Currently common in the U.S., but subject to change. Enter your applicable rate.
Does this include battery/storage?: No. This focuses on PV. Storage adds cost; update cost per watt if including storage.
Is this a final quote?: No. It’s a ballpark estimate. Get installer quotes for specifics.

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Ballpark sizing and cost only. Does not account for site-specific design, shading, tilt, or detailed incentives. Consult installers and tax guidance for exact numbers.