.solar-power-calculator-container {
font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Geneva, Verdana, sans-serif;
max-width: 800px;
margin: 20px auto;
padding: 25px;
background: #f9f9f9;
border-radius: 10px;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1);
border: 1px solid #e0e0e0;
}
.solar-power-calculator-container h2 {
text-align: center;
color: #2c3e50;
margin-bottom: 25px;
font-size: 2em;
border-bottom: 2px solid #4CAF50;
padding-bottom: 10px;
}
.solar-power-calculator-container .input-group {
margin-bottom: 18px;
display: flex;
flex-direction: column;
}
.solar-power-calculator-container label {
margin-bottom: 8px;
color: #34495e;
font-weight: bold;
font-size: 0.95em;
}
.solar-power-calculator-container input[type="number"] {
width: calc(100% – 20px);
padding: 12px;
border: 1px solid #ccc;
border-radius: 6px;
font-size: 1em;
box-sizing: border-box;
transition: border-color 0.3s ease;
}
.solar-power-calculator-container input[type="number"]:focus {
border-color: #4CAF50;
outline: none;
box-shadow: 0 0 5px rgba(76, 175, 80, 0.5);
}
.solar-power-calculator-container button {
display: block;
width: 100%;
padding: 15px;
background-color: #4CAF50;
color: white;
border: none;
border-radius: 6px;
font-size: 1.1em;
cursor: pointer;
transition: background-color 0.3s ease, transform 0.2s ease;
margin-top: 25px;
}
.solar-power-calculator-container button:hover {
background-color: #45a049;
transform: translateY(-2px);
}
.solar-power-calculator-container .results {
margin-top: 30px;
padding: 20px;
background-color: #e8f5e9;
border: 1px solid #c8e6c9;
border-radius: 8px;
color: #2e7d32;
font-size: 1.05em;
line-height: 1.6;
}
.solar-power-calculator-container .results h3 {
color: #1b5e20;
margin-top: 0;
margin-bottom: 15px;
font-size: 1.5em;
text-align: center;
}
.solar-power-calculator-container .results p {
margin-bottom: 10px;
display: flex;
justify-content: space-between;
padding-bottom: 5px;
border-bottom: 1px dashed #a5d6a7;
}
.solar-power-calculator-container .results p:last-child {
border-bottom: none;
margin-bottom: 0;
}
.solar-power-calculator-container .results span.label {
font-weight: bold;
color: #388e3c;
}
.solar-power-calculator-container .results span.value {
color: #1b5e20;
text-align: right;
}
.solar-power-calculator-container .error-message {
color: #d32f2f;
background-color: #ffebee;
border: 1px solid #ef9a9a;
padding: 10px;
margin-top: 15px;
border-radius: 5px;
text-align: center;
font-weight: bold;
}
function calculateSolarPower() {
var panelWattage = parseFloat(document.getElementById('panelWattage').value);
var numberOfPanels = parseFloat(document.getElementById('numberOfPanels').value);
var dailySunlightHours = parseFloat(document.getElementById('dailySunlightHours').value);
var systemEfficiency = parseFloat(document.getElementById('systemEfficiency').value);
var electricityRate = parseFloat(document.getElementById('electricityRate').value);
var costPerPanel = parseFloat(document.getElementById('costPerPanel').value);
var installationCost = parseFloat(document.getElementById('installationCost').value);
var errorDiv = document.getElementById('solarError');
var resultsDiv = document.getElementById('solarResults');
errorDiv.style.display = 'none';
resultsDiv.style.display = 'none';
if (isNaN(panelWattage) || panelWattage <= 0 ||
isNaN(numberOfPanels) || numberOfPanels <= 0 ||
isNaN(dailySunlightHours) || dailySunlightHours <= 0 ||
isNaN(systemEfficiency) || systemEfficiency 100 ||
isNaN(electricityRate) || electricityRate < 0 ||
isNaN(costPerPanel) || costPerPanel < 0 ||
isNaN(installationCost) || installationCost 0) ? totalSystemCost / annualSavings : Infinity;
// Display Results
document.getElementById('outputTotalWattage').innerText = totalSystemWattage.toFixed(0) + ' W';
document.getElementById('outputDailyKwh').innerText = dailyKwhGenerated.toFixed(2) + ' kWh';
document.getElementById('outputMonthlyKwh').innerText = monthlyKwhGenerated.toFixed(2) + ' kWh';
document.getElementById('outputAnnualKwh').innerText = annualKwhGenerated.toFixed(2) + ' kWh';
document.getElementById('outputDailySavings').innerText = '$' + dailySavings.toFixed(2);
document.getElementById('outputMonthlySavings').innerText = '$' + monthlySavings.toFixed(2);
document.getElementById('outputAnnualSavings').innerText = '$' + annualSavings.toFixed(2);
document.getElementById('outputTotalSystemCost').innerText = '$' + totalSystemCost.toFixed(2);
if (paybackPeriod === Infinity) {
document.getElementById('outputPaybackPeriod').innerText = 'N/A (No savings)';
} else if (paybackPeriod < 0) {
document.getElementById('outputPaybackPeriod').innerText = 'N/A (Negative savings)';
}
else {
document.getElementById('outputPaybackPeriod').innerText = paybackPeriod.toFixed(1) + ' years';
}
resultsDiv.style.display = 'block';
}
Solar Power Potential Calculator
Solar Power Estimation
Total System Wattage:
Daily Energy Generation:
Monthly Energy Generation:
Annual Energy Generation:
Estimated Daily Savings:
Estimated Monthly Savings:
Estimated Annual Savings:
Estimated Total System Cost:
Estimated Payback Period:
Understanding Your Solar Power Potential
Going solar is a significant investment that can lead to substantial long-term savings and environmental benefits. However, understanding how much power your system can generate and what your potential savings might be is crucial before making the leap. Our Solar Power Potential Calculator is designed to give you a clear estimate based on key factors specific to your potential setup.
How Solar Power Works
Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity through the photovoltaic effect. This direct current (DC) electricity is then sent to an inverter, which converts it into alternating current (AC) – the type of electricity used in your home. The amount of electricity generated depends on several variables, including the panel's efficiency, the amount of sunlight it receives, and the overall system's performance.
Key Factors in Solar Power Generation
To accurately estimate your solar potential, our calculator considers the following:
- Individual Solar Panel Wattage (W): This is the power output of a single solar panel under standard test conditions. Common panels range from 300W to 450W. Higher wattage panels can generate more electricity per panel.
- Number of Solar Panels: The more panels you install, the greater your total system wattage and, consequently, your electricity generation.
- Average Daily Peak Sunlight Hours (hours): This is a critical factor that varies significantly by geographic location and season. It represents the equivalent number of hours per day when sunlight intensity averages 1,000 watts per square meter. You can often find this data for your specific region from solar resource maps or local solar installers.
- System Efficiency (Losses %): No solar system operates at 100% efficiency. Factors like temperature, wiring losses, inverter efficiency, dust, shading, and panel degradation over time contribute to overall system losses. A typical system efficiency might range from 75% to 85%.
- Average Electricity Rate ($/kWh): Your current electricity rate is essential for calculating potential financial savings. This is the cost you pay per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for electricity from your utility company.
- Cost Per Solar Panel ($): The individual cost of each solar panel. This helps in estimating the total material cost of your system.
- Total Installation Cost ($): This includes labor, mounting hardware, wiring, inverter, permitting fees, and any other costs associated with getting your solar system up and running.
Understanding Your Calculator Results
Once you input your data, the calculator provides several valuable outputs:
- Total System Wattage: The combined power output of all your solar panels.
- Daily, Monthly, and Annual Energy Generation (kWh): These figures estimate how much electricity your system will produce over different timeframes, taking into account sunlight hours and system efficiency.
- Estimated Daily, Monthly, and Annual Savings: By multiplying your estimated energy generation by your electricity rate, the calculator projects how much money you could save on your utility bills.
- Estimated Total System Cost: This is the sum of your panel costs and installation costs, giving you an initial estimate of your investment.
- Estimated Payback Period: This crucial metric indicates how many years it will take for your accumulated savings to equal your initial investment. A shorter payback period means a faster return on investment.
Realistic Example: A Typical Home Solar System
Let's consider a homeowner in a sunny region:
- Individual Solar Panel Wattage: 400 W
- Number of Solar Panels: 15
- Average Daily Peak Sunlight Hours: 5 hours
- System Efficiency: 80%
- Average Electricity Rate: $0.18/kWh
- Cost Per Solar Panel: $280
- Total Installation Cost: $6,000
Using these inputs, the calculator would provide results similar to:
- Total System Wattage: 6000 W (6 kW)
- Daily Energy Generation: (6000 W * 5 hours * 0.80) / 1000 = 24 kWh
- Monthly Energy Generation: 24 kWh * 30.44 = 730.56 kWh
- Annual Energy Generation: 24 kWh * 365 = 8760 kWh
- Estimated Annual Savings: 8760 kWh * $0.18/kWh = $1,576.80
- Estimated Total System Cost: (15 * $280) + $6,000 = $4,200 + $6,000 = $10,200
- Estimated Payback Period: $10,200 / $1,576.80 = ~6.47 years
This example demonstrates how a system could generate significant power and lead to a reasonable payback period, making solar an attractive option.
Remember, this calculator provides estimates. For precise figures and a tailored solar solution, it's always best to consult with professional solar installers who can assess your specific property, energy needs, and local incentives.