Solar Price Calculator

Solar Panel Price Calculator

Estimate the cost of installing a solar panel system for your home, factoring in your electricity usage, desired offset, and available incentives.

Your Solar Price Estimate

Estimated System Size: kW

Gross System Cost:

Federal Tax Credit:

State/Local Rebate:

Net System Cost (After Incentives):

Estimated Annual Electricity Savings:

function calculateSolarPrice() { var avgMonthlyBill = parseFloat(document.getElementById('avgMonthlyBill').value); var avgCostPerKwh = parseFloat(document.getElementById('avgCostPerKwh').value); var desiredOffset = parseFloat(document.getElementById('desiredOffset').value); var costPerWatt = parseFloat(document.getElementById('costPerWatt').value); var federalTaxCredit = parseFloat(document.getElementById('federalTaxCredit').value); var stateRebate = parseFloat(document.getElementById('stateRebate').value); if (isNaN(avgMonthlyBill) || avgMonthlyBill <= 0 || isNaN(avgCostPerKwh) || avgCostPerKwh <= 0 || isNaN(desiredOffset) || desiredOffset 100 || isNaN(costPerWatt) || costPerWatt <= 0 || isNaN(federalTaxCredit) || federalTaxCredit 100 || isNaN(stateRebate) || stateRebate < 0) { alert('Please enter valid positive numbers for all fields. Desired Solar Offset must be between 10% and 100%.'); document.getElementById('solarResult').style.display = 'none'; return; } // Assumptions for calculation (can be made inputs for advanced calculator) var averageDailySunHours = 4.5; // Average peak sun hours per day var systemEfficiency = 0.80; // Accounts for losses from panels to inverter, wiring, etc. // 1. Estimate Annual kWh Usage var annualKwhUsage = (avgMonthlyBill / avgCostPerKwh) * 12; // 2. Calculate Target Annual Solar Production (kWh) var targetAnnualProduction = annualKwhUsage * (desiredOffset / 100); // 3. Calculate Required System Size (kW) // Formula: System Size (kW) = (Target Annual Production (kWh) / (Average Daily Sun Hours * 365 * System Efficiency)) var systemSizeKw = targetAnnualProduction / (averageDailySunHours * 365 * systemEfficiency); // 4. Calculate Gross System Cost (before any incentives) var grossSystemCost = systemSizeKw * 1000 * costPerWatt; // Multiply by 1000 to convert kW to W // 5. Calculate Federal Tax Credit Amount var federalCreditAmount = grossSystemCost * (federalTaxCredit / 100); // 6. Calculate Net System Cost var netSystemCost = grossSystemCost – federalCreditAmount – stateRebate; if (netSystemCost < 0) { netSystemCost = 0; // System cost cannot be negative } // 7. Calculate Estimated Annual Savings var annualSavings = targetAnnualProduction * avgCostPerKwh; // Display results document.getElementById('outputSystemSize').innerText = systemSizeKw.toFixed(2); document.getElementById('outputGrossCost').innerText = '$' + grossSystemCost.toFixed(2); document.getElementById('outputFederalCredit').innerText = '$' + federalCreditAmount.toFixed(2); document.getElementById('outputStateRebate').innerText = '$' + stateRebate.toFixed(2); document.getElementById('outputNetCost').innerText = '$' + netSystemCost.toFixed(2); document.getElementById('outputAnnualSavings').innerText = '$' + annualSavings.toFixed(2); document.getElementById('solarResult').style.display = 'block'; }

Understanding Your Solar Panel System Cost

Investing in solar panels for your home is a significant decision that offers long-term financial and environmental benefits. However, understanding the upfront costs can be complex, as many factors influence the final price. Our Solar Panel Price Calculator is designed to give you a clear estimate based on your specific energy needs and available incentives.

How Solar Panel Pricing Works

The cost of a solar panel system is primarily driven by its size, measured in kilowatts (kW). A larger system is needed to offset higher electricity consumption, leading to a higher gross cost. However, various incentives can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.

Key Factors Influencing Cost:

• System Size (kW): This is the most crucial factor. It's determined by your average electricity usage and how much of that usage you want solar to cover.
• Cost Per Watt ($/W): This is the industry standard for pricing solar installations. It includes the cost of panels, inverters, racking, wiring, labor, permits, and other components. Prices typically range from $2.50 to $4.00 per watt before incentives.
• Installation Complexity: Factors like roof type, pitch, shading, and accessibility can affect labor costs.
• Equipment Quality: Premium panels and inverters may have a higher upfront cost but often come with better efficiency and longer warranties.
• Location: Local regulations, permitting fees, and labor rates vary by region.
• Incentives: Federal, state, and local programs can drastically reduce the net cost.

Understanding the Calculator Inputs

• Average Monthly Electricity Bill ($): This helps us estimate your annual electricity consumption. The higher your bill, the larger the system you'll likely need.
• Average Cost Per kWh ($/kWh): Your utility bill will show your average electricity rate. This is crucial for converting your bill into kWh usage and for calculating potential savings.
• Desired Solar Offset Percentage (%): Do you want to cover 100% of your electricity needs with solar, or a smaller portion? This directly impacts the required system size.
• Average Cost Per Watt ($/W): This is an estimate of what solar installers charge in your area. Research local solar companies for current rates.
• Federal Solar Tax Credit (%): The U.S. federal government offers a significant tax credit for homeowners who install solar. This is a percentage of the gross system cost.
• State/Local Rebate ($): Many states, counties, and even cities offer additional rebates or incentives. These can be fixed amounts or per-watt incentives. Enter the total estimated dollar amount you expect to receive.

Interpreting Your Results

The calculator provides several key outputs:

• Estimated System Size (kW): This is the capacity of the solar system needed to meet your desired offset. For example, a 7 kW system is common for an average U.S. home.
• Gross System Cost: The total cost of the system before any incentives are applied.
• Federal Tax Credit: The estimated dollar amount you could receive back as a tax credit.
• State/Local Rebate: The dollar amount of any additional rebates you entered.
• Net System Cost (After Incentives): This is your estimated out-of-pocket expense after all applicable incentives are factored in. This is the most important number for budgeting.
• Estimated Annual Electricity Savings: The approximate amount you could save on your electricity bill each year by generating your own power.

Example Scenario:

Let's say your average monthly electricity bill is $150, and your average cost per kWh is $0.15. You want to offset 100% of your usage. The average cost per watt in your area is $3.00. You qualify for a 30% federal tax credit and a $500 state rebate.

• Estimated Annual kWh Usage: ($150 / $0.15) * 12 = 12,000 kWh
• Target Annual Solar Production: 12,000 kWh * 100% = 12,000 kWh
• Required System Size: Approximately 7.3 kW (based on 4.5 sun hours/day and 80% efficiency)
• Gross System Cost: 7.3 kW * 1000 W/kW * $3.00/W = $21,900
• Federal Tax Credit: $21,900 * 30% = $6,570
• State Rebate: $500
• Net System Cost: $21,900 – $6,570 – $500 = $14,830
• Estimated Annual Savings: 12,000 kWh * $0.15/kWh = $1,800

This example demonstrates how incentives can significantly reduce the final cost of your solar investment, making it more accessible and financially attractive.

Remember, this calculator provides an estimate. For an accurate quote, it's always best to consult with local solar professionals who can assess your specific property and energy needs.