Solar Panel Calculator
Calculate solar panel system size based on your electric bill and location. Compare panel types, estimate installation cost after federal tax credit, project 25-year savings with degradation, and determine payback period.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Monocrystalline Panels (23 x 400W) | $25,760 |
| Inverter(s) | $2,760 |
| Roof-Mounted Mounting | $2,760 |
| Electrical Work | $2,000 |
| Permits & Inspections | $500 |
| Gross Cost | $33,780 |
| Federal Tax Credit (30%) | -$10,134 |
| Net Cost | $23,646 |
| Panel | Watts | $/W | Efficiency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MonocrystallineSelected | 400W | $2.8 | 22% | Highest efficiency, premium look, best for limited space |
| Polycrystalline | 340W | $2.4 | 17% | Good value, slightly lower efficiency, blue tint |
| Thin-Film | 250W | $2 | 12% | Most affordable, flexible, requires more space |
How to Use Solar Panel Calculator
- 1Enter your monthly electric bill
- 2Select sun region and panel type
- 3Review system size and cost
- 4See payback period and 25-year savings
Frequently Asked Questions
How many solar panels do I need?▾
Divide your annual kWh usage by your area's peak sun hours × 365 × panel wattage. A home using 10,000 kWh/year in an area with 5 peak sun hours needs roughly 5.5kW, or about 14 panels at 400W each.
How much do solar panels cost?▾
Average cost is $2.50-3.50 per watt before incentives. A typical 8kW system costs $20,000-28,000. After the 30% federal ITC tax credit, net cost drops to $14,000-19,600. Many states offer additional rebates.
What is the payback period for solar?▾
Typically 6-12 years depending on electricity rates, sun exposure, and incentives. In high-rate states like California, payback can be 5-7 years. After payback, solar provides free electricity for the remaining 15-20 years of panel life.
About Solar Panel Calculator
Calculate solar panel system size based on your electric bill and location. Compare panel types, estimate installation cost after federal tax credit, project 25-year savings with degradation, and determine payback period.
NexTool's Solar Panel Calculator is completely free to use with no sign-up required. Your data is processed directly in your browser and never sent to our servers, ensuring complete privacy and instant results.
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