Model sunlight, losses, tariffs, degradation, and incentives precisely. Review production, value, and cash flow faster. Build clearer solar forecasts for budgeting, lending, and proposals.
This page uses a single-column layout, while the input area adapts to three, two, or one columns by screen size.
| Parameter | Example Value | Unit | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| System Size | 6.00 | kW | Total installed DC capacity |
| Sun Hours | 5.2 | hours/day | Average peak solar resource |
| Performance Ratio | 82 | % | Overall conversion quality factor |
| Combined Losses | 14 | % | Shading, heat, soiling, and wiring |
| Electricity Rate | 0.16 | $/kWh | Value of self-consumed energy |
| Installation Cost | 14500 | $ | Upfront project capital |
This estimator blends energy production logic with finance-focused outputs. It models system performance, usable energy, export value, operating costs, degradation, and multi-year cash flow.
When a specific yield override is entered, the page uses: Annual Production = System Size × Specific Yield. This is useful when field data or regional benchmarks already exist.
It estimates daily, monthly, and annual energy production, then converts that output into bill savings, export income, payback, ROI, lifetime energy, and levelized energy cost.
Performance ratio summarizes real-world system quality. It reflects conversion losses, downtime, and equipment behavior beyond nameplate capacity, producing more realistic output than ideal theoretical estimates.
Self-consumption is the portion of generated energy used on-site. That share offsets utility purchases directly, which often creates higher financial value than exported electricity.
The calculator multiplies exported energy by the export rate. Exported energy equals annual production minus the self-consumed share, adjusted for degradation over time.
Payback shows when cumulative benefits recover the net project cost. ROI compares overall lifetime gains against the upfront net investment, expressed as a percentage.
Panels usually produce slightly less energy each year. Degradation lowers long-term output, so including it improves budget forecasts and cash flow accuracy.
Yes. If you already know annual kWh per installed kW from local benchmarks or prior studies, enter the specific yield override for faster, region-based estimates.
Yes. It supports screening-level budgeting, proposal reviews, and lender conversations. For final financing, combine these estimates with site audits, tariff rules, and engineering validation.
Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.