Calculating Your Solar Needs
Switching to solar is an excellent option for people looking to save money on their monthly utility bills. But how much solar do you need for your home and how much will it cost to make the switch? Our solar calculator can give you a custom estimate for the cost of a system that meets your home’s energy needs. Learn more about our calculator below.
Get a Custom Solar Estimate in 3 Easy Steps
Here’s how to use our solar calculator for a free solar system estimate
Input Your Info
We use your home address and monthly electricity bill to estimate your solar needs.
Customize Your Estimate
Change your system offset or add battery storage for a custom estimate
Compare Prices
We’ll send your price quote to you so you can reference it as your explore solar solutions.
How Our Solar Calculator Works
Our solar panel calculator uses your location and monthly bill to output a suggested system size. Here’s what we need to make that calculation and why it is important:
- Home Address: Your address gives us a sense for who your utility is and thus your electricity rate
- Average Monthly Bill: Combined with your electricity rate, this helps us calculate how much electricity you use
- Contact Information: We’ll send you a link to your estimate so you can return to it at your convenience
You’ll receive a price estimate based on this recommendation. You can then adjust the size or add battery storage. There will be pricing estimates based on whether you choose cash or a loan to purchase your solar system. You’ll receive a discounted price if you choose cash. Visit our solar power calculator page to get started.
See How it Works
Customizing Your Solar Calculator Estimate
Once you get an initial estimate, you can customize the size of your system and select your battery storage preferences. All of our system size estimates are based on using Qcells 400w Solar Panels. Our battery estimate is for the Qcells Q.HOME CORE home energy system.
You can also explore our cash and loan pricing options to determine what your custom solar system could cost. When you’re ready for a full proposal, you can schedule a consultation with one of our advisors to finalize your plan.
Answer Your Solar Questions with Our Calculator
Curious how many panels you should be looking for and what it’ll cost? That’s exactly what we’re here to help you find out.
How Many Solar Panels Do I Need?
The number of panels you need largely depends on your energy usage and where you live. As mentioned above, the solar power calculator will output a suggested system size based on the information you provide. You’ll be able to select the rough percentage of the usage you want to offset with solar. You can then adjust your system size and choose adders that make the most sense for you.
Our solar calculator will size your system to cover as close to 100% of your energy needs as possible to help you maximize savings. However, you may consider sizing your system above or below your current usage. The most common reasons people choose to size above their current energy usage are because they have an electric vehicle, plan to transition to more electric appliances, or know their energy usage will increase soon. You can speak with one of our advisors if you have questions about factors affecting system sizing.
How Much Will Solar Cost for my Home?
Our solar calculator uses your energy usage and estimated electricity rates to create the most cost-effective plan for your unique energy needs. Once you get your estimate, you can adjust the size of your system or add battery storage, both of which can impact the cost of your system.
System Size
System Size: We’ll use your past electricity usage to recommend an appropriate system size for your home. The cost of your system is based on the number of solar panels in the system and their individual size which is measured in Watts.
Battery Storage
Battery Storage: When you add battery storage to a solar system, you can store the power your system produces and keep your lights on and essential appliances powered during blackouts.
Rebates and Incentives
Rebates and Incentives: Our solar calculator will show how incentives like the federal solar tax credit can factor in to your overall costs.
How Does the Solar Installation Process Work?
Once you have a solar estimate, you can use our solar calculator to learn more about the next steps involved with purchasing and installing solar for your home. Here’s a preview of those next steps:
- Solar Consultation: If you are happy with your solar calculator estimate, you can schedule a consultation with a solar expert online. Your solar consultant will help you finalize a detailed proposal and find the best financing plan for your home and budget.
- Design and Approvals: Once your system design is finalized, we’ll get to work on obtaining permitting from your local building department and grid interconnection approval from your utility provider.
- Installation: On the day of your installation, the crew foreman will walk you through the installation plan and let you know what you can expect as far as timeline and where they’ll be working. Many installations are completed in a single day.
- Activation: After the system is installed and inspected, the final step is to get the green light or permission to operate (PTO) the system from your utility company. With that in hand, your home will be running on clean, solar electricity.
Get a Quote
Our solar system calculator can provide you with a close estimate of the cost of a solar system for your home. However, you’ll need to speak with an advisor to get the most accurate estimate. Please use our solar calculator, then schedule a consultation with one of our representatives to learn more about how we can help you take control of your energy costs. Our team is ready to help you create the perfect solar system that meets your home’s unique energy needs.
