Solar Panel Calculator
Estimate your solar panel system's energy production, costs, and potential savings.
About Solar Panel Systems
Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, reducing your dependence on the grid and lowering your electricity bills. The amount of energy produced depends on several factors including system size, sunlight hours, and panel efficiency.
How Solar Panel Systems Work
A typical solar panel system consists of:
- Solar panels that convert sunlight to DC electricity
- Inverter that converts DC to AC electricity for home use
- Mounting system to secure panels to your roof
- Monitoring system to track energy production
Key Benefits of Solar Panels
- Reduce electricity bills - Generate your own power instead of buying from the grid
- Increase home value - Solar panels typically increase property value
- Environmental benefits - Reduce your carbon footprint with clean energy
- Energy independence - Become less reliant on utility companies
- Tax incentives - Many governments offer solar tax credits and rebates
Factors Affecting Solar Panel Efficiency
- Sunlight exposure - More direct sunlight means more energy production
- Panel orientation - South-facing roofs typically perform best (in northern hemisphere)
- Shading - Trees or buildings that shade panels reduce output
- Panel tilt - Optimal angle varies by location
- Temperature - Solar panels become slightly less efficient in very hot weather
Example Calculation
For a home with:
- $150 monthly electricity bill
- 300 sq ft of available roof space
- 5 hours of daily sunlight
- $2.50 per watt system cost
This calculator would estimate:
- 16 solar panels (300W each)
- 4.8 kW system size
- About $12,000 system cost
- 8-year payback period
- $33,000 lifetime savings over 25 years