Solar Panel Calculator
Estimate how many solar panels you need based on your electricity usage. Calculate system size, monthly savings, payback period, and CO2 reduction.
Peak Sun Hours by Region
| Region | Peak Sun Hours |
|---|---|
| Southwest US (AZ, NM) | 6-7 |
| Southeast US (FL, TX) | 5-6 |
| Midwest US (OH, IL) | 4-5 |
| Northeast US (NY, MA) | 3.5-4.5 |
| Pacific NW (WA, OR) | 3-4 |
| Southern Europe | 5-6.5 |
| Northern Europe (UK, DE) | 2.5-4 |
| Australia | 4.5-6.5 |
How to Use the Solar Panel Calculator
- Enter your average monthly electricity usage in kWh (find on your utility bill).
- Enter average peak sun hours for your location.
- Select or enter the wattage of the panels you plan to install.
- Optionally adjust electricity rate, cost per watt, and performance ratio.
- Click Calculate to see your solar estimate.
Understanding Peak Sun Hours
Peak sun hours represent the number of hours per day when solar irradiance averages 1,000 watts per square meter. This is not the same as total daylight hours. A location with 5 peak sun hours could have 10 hours of daylight but only the equivalent energy of 5 full-intensity hours.
Features
- System size and panel count estimation
- Monthly and annual production estimates
- Financial savings and payback calculation
- CO2 reduction estimate
- Adjustable performance ratio and costs
- 100% client-side processing for full privacy
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Disclaimer: This tool is provided as-is for informational and educational purposes only.