Estimate Solar Output with Our PVWatts Calculator
Calculate your solar production and savings with our NREL-based solar estimation tool. Determine your panel requirements, system size, and ROI instantly.
PVWatts Calculator
Solar Calculation Results
Solar Panels
System Size
Annual Production
Annual Savings
System Details
Estimated Installation Cost: $0
Payback Period: 0 years
CO2 Reduction: 0 tons/year
Estimated ROI: 0%
Solar Benefits Overview
Reduce Bills
Save 70-100% on electricity costs
Eco Friendly
Reduce carbon footprint
Increase Value
Homes with solar sell for 4.1% more
Energy Security
Protect against power outages
Savings Projection
How Our PVWatts Calculator Works
Our solar calculator is based on the trusted methodology behind the NREL PVWatts Solar Calculator, a widely recognized tool for estimating photovoltaic (PV) system performance. By analyzing your geographic location, roof characteristics, and electricity usage, our PVWatts calculator delivers accurate and reliable solar energy production estimates tailored to your specific site conditions.
Understanding Your Solar Potential
Using advanced algorithms, the calculator factors in local climate data, solar irradiance, and panel tilt and azimuth to project realistic solar output. These calculations help you determine how many solar panels you need to reduce utility bills and move toward energy independence, sustainability, and long-term cost savings. Learn more about solar potential from the NREL’s Renewable Energy Solar Research page.
Maximizing Solar Savings
By tweaking system parameters like inverter efficiency, shading losses, panel layout, and available roof space, you can model multiple solar configurations for your property. Our PVWatts calculator helps homeowners and businesses identify the most cost-effective solution for long-term energy savings and environmental impact reduction. For deeper insights, explore this U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Technologies Office.
Solar Energy Facts
- The average US electricity rate is $0.14/kWh, making solar increasingly cost-effective
- A 1 kW solar system requires about 100 sq ft of roof space
- Each kW of solar reduces CO2 emissions by 1.5 tons annually, equivalent to planting 100 trees
- Solar panels typically last 25-30 years, providing decades of clean energy
- The PVWatts Calculator helps homeowners understand their solar potential in minutes
- Using a PVWatts Calculator is the first step toward energy independence
Why Solar Panels for Home
Solar panels for home use provide significant advantages that make them an excellent investment:
- Reduced Energy Bills: Save 70-100% on electricity costs with solar power
- Increased Home Value: Homes with solar sell 20% faster and for 4.1% more
- Environmental Benefits: Reduce carbon footprint by 3-4 tons annually
- Energy Independence: Protect against rising electricity prices
Cost & Savings Analysis
Solar panels cost money at first, but then they save you money every month!
- After about 6-8 years, your solar panels pay for themselves
- Then you get free electricity for 20+ more years
- Over 25 years, a typical system generates $40,000+ in savings
Frequently Asked Questions
This platform estimates electricity output for grid-tied systems using 30+ years of weather and solar data, providing results accurate to within ~5% of actual production.
Sunlight hours and weather vary by region. This tool uses your location to tailor the estimate for maximum relevance.
Users often see savings of $1,200–$1,500 per year. Your results depend on your roof size, usage, and electricity costs.
By analyzing your monthly energy use, roof area, and panel efficiency, the tool calculates the number of panels required to meet your needs.
It combines scientific accuracy with simplicity, providing personalized solar insights in seconds, based on proven NREL methods.
Yes, the PVWatts Calculator is completely free. You can use it to estimate solar energy production, system size, and potential savings without needing to register or enter personal information.