Solar Savings Calculator

How to use this calculator

Enter Annual production (kWh), Value per kWh ($). The result updates in your browser as you edit an input. The prefilled values are examples only.

How the estimate works

Multiply annual kWh by the value per kWh. Export compensation and time-of-use rates may change the actual value.

What can change the answer?

A produced kilowatt-hour may be worth less when exported than when used at home. Compare your utility tariff and export credits with the assumed value.

Before relying on the result

Check that the figures use the same units and period. Compare the result against a current label, quote, contract, employer policy, or official dataset when appropriate. This estimate does not include factors you have not entered.

Further reference

For source data or a more detailed method, see National Laboratory of the Rockies: PVWatts production model. The calculator does not automatically import data from this source.

Worked example with the default inputs

Annual production of 11,000 kWh at an illustrative $0.16 value per kWh gives $1,760. Changing the value to $0.12 reduces it to $1,320 without changing production.

Interpret the result in a planning record

The solar savings calculator multiplies annual production by an assumed value per kilowatt-hour. Energy used in the home and energy exported to the grid may have different values. A single rate is a simplified scenario. Separate fixed utility charges and review time-of-use or export terms before interpreting the result as a likely change in the whole bill.

Save the input values, units and result together. Change one uncertain input at a time so you can see which assumption moves the answer. A displayed decimal is arithmetic precision, rather than evidence that the measurements or rates are equally precise.

More tools

Read the How to Read a Solar Quote Without Mixing Up the Numbers guide →