Solar Panel Savings Calculator — Estimate Your Savings

Average Monthly Electric Bill ($)Enter a valid bill amount.

Estimated Solar Offset (%)% of your usage the system is expected to cover

System Cost After Incentives ($, optional)

Estimated Annual Savings

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Monthly Savings

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Payback Period

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How to Use This Tool

Enter your average monthly electric bill.
Enter your estimated solar offset percentage (ask your installer for a site-specific estimate).
Optionally enter your system cost after incentives to see the payback period.

How Solar Savings Are Estimated

Monthly Savings = Current Monthly Bill × Solar Offset %

Payback Period (years) = System Cost ÷ Annual Savings

What Determines Your Offset Percentage

Your solar offset depends on your roof's size, orientation, shading, local sun hours, and how large a system you install relative to your usage. A qualified solar installer can provide a site-specific production estimate using satellite imagery and your actual usage data, which will be far more accurate than this general calculator.

Factors Not Included Here

Electricity rate increases: Utility rates tend to rise over time, meaning your actual long-term savings are often higher than a static calculation suggests
Net metering policies: How you're credited for excess solar production varies significantly by utility and state
Financing costs: If financed rather than paid upfront, loan interest affects your true payback timeline

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate is the offset percentage I should use?

This varies enormously by roof characteristics and system size — get a site-specific production estimate from a qualified solar installer for an accurate figure rather than guessing.

Does this account for rising electricity rates?

No, this calculator uses your current bill as a static baseline. Since utility rates commonly rise over time, your actual long-term savings are often higher than this simple estimate suggests.

This calculator is provided for general informational and estimation purposes only. Results should not be treated as professional financial, tax, legal, medical, or engineering advice. Always verify critical calculations with a qualified professional or official source before making decisions.