Solar Panel Calculator

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.

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.

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.

Using the Solar Panel Calculator is simple: visit the tool page, enter your data or input into the provided fields, and get instant results. Follow the controls on the page. Some functions require sign-in or a paid plan; see Pricing for limits.

The Free plan includes 10 tool uses per day. Some features require an account or a paid plan. Check the controls on the tool page and Pricing for the applicable limits.

The Solar Panel Calculator returns results based on the inputs and the tool methodology. Check assumptions, units and source dates. Treat projections as estimates. For critical decisions, always consult a qualified professional.

Yes, the Solar Panel Calculator is fully responsive and works perfectly on smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers. Simply open NexTool in your mobile browser and navigate to the tool — no app download required.