Shade and usable space matter
Trees, vents, chimneys, roof shape, and afternoon shade can change the usable system size and monthly production pattern.
PVWatts-backed estimator
Estimate home solar production from location and system size.
Use latitude/longitude, panel size, roof direction, tilt, and losses to estimate monthly and annual solar output. This is planning math, not an installer quote.
Annual production Run estimate
Enter a location and system details to call PVWatts.
Monthly output
Estimated AC kWh by month
Run an estimate to see monthly production.
Planning notes
What to check after a solar production estimate
PVWatts is useful for rough production planning, but the estimate is only one part of the buying decision. Before choosing a kit or calling the number final, compare the result against the roof, utility, and equipment limits that a simple calculator cannot see.
Rules can change the payback
Net billing, interconnection fees, export credits, and time-of-use rates can matter as much as raw annual kWh.
Match panels, inverter, and storage
Panel wattage, inverter limits, battery goals, and local code requirements should be checked before buying a kit.
Related tools
Plan the battery and panel side too
Power station runtime calculator
Estimate how long one device can run from a common battery size.
Open calculatorSolar recharge time calculator
Check whether a panel size can refill a battery within your usable sun window.
Open calculatorStarter 12V solar kit checklist
Review the basic parts and compatibility checks that budget listings often blur together.
Read guide