Solar Panel Calculator: How Many Solar Panels Do I Need?

Step 1: Determine average and daily monthly electricity usage

You probably consume more electricity during certain months of the year. Refer to your utility bills for the past 12 months, and calculate your average usage (kWh) over that period.

You can also estimate your average daily kWh usage by dividing your monthly usage by 30 (the average number of days in a month).

Step 2: Calculate the cost of solar panels

One standard solar panel produces about 1.24 kWh per day, and costs around 65 to 75 cents per watt. Solar panels from well-known manufacturers run as high as one to two dollars (or more) per watt.

Based on your results from the solar panel calculator above, you can multiply your recommended wattage by 65 or 75 cents (or more) to get a ballpark cost for all of your solar panels.

Step 3: Factor installation costs

Thanks to federal tax credits and increasing demand, solar installation costs continue to drop, making it more affordable to go green. Installation costs fell over 70% in the last ten years, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association.

Based on solar system size, expect to pay around $10,000 or more for solar panels and parts. Then add solar panel installer costs, which range from $5,000 to $10,000 depending on who you hire. In the end, the total cost of purchasing and installing a solar panel system may run you between $10,000 to $20,000 or more.

Read more: What is the true cost of solar panels?