Solar savings calculator
See what solar could save you
Upload your electric bill for an instant estimate of system size, monthly savings, and payback.
1. Scan your electric bill
Optional. We read your bill on your device to fill in the numbers. You'll confirm them before we use them.
Drop your bill here or tap to upload
PG&E, SCE, SDG&E, LADWP · PDF or photo up to 10 MB
2. Your electricity use
From your bill. Improves accuracy.
Preliminary monthly savings
$126 – $181
Year one, on a $250/month bill (694 kWh/month)
System size
4.4 kW
about 11 panels
Usage covered
90%
7,500 kWh/yr
25-year net savings
$59,924
after system cost
Payback
6.5 yrs
net cost $13,495
Cumulative savings after system cost
How we calculated this
- 1. Your usage: $250 ÷ $0.36/kWh typical SCE rate ≈ 694 kWh/month → 8,333 kWh/year.
- 2. Your rate: $0.36 per kWh (regional average).
- 3. System size: enough to cover 90% of usage. Each kW produces about 5.9 sun hours × 365 days × 80% efficiency = 1,723 kWh/year → 4.4 kW.
- 4. Cost: 4.4 kW × $3.10/watt = $13,495 (no tax credit applied).
- 5. Year-one savings: 7,500 kWh × $0.36 × 70% value = $1,890/year. The 70% reflects California's Net Billing Tariff (NEM 3.0), which credits exported power below retail.
- 6. Over 25 years: utility rates rise 4.0%/year and panels lose 0.5%/year of output. ±15–20% range shown for uncertainty.
Not included: financing costs, batteries, roof work, fixed monthly utility charges that remain with solar, or changes to utility tariffs.
Preliminary estimate only, not a quote, offer, or guarantee of savings. Actual results depend on your roof, shading, orientation, usage, utility tariff, financing, and installer pricing.
Solar questions
How the estimate works
Is my bill uploaded or stored?
No. Your bill is read inside your browser to find the amount and usage. The file is not sent to our servers. Only details you choose to submit in the proposal form are saved.
How accurate is this estimate?
It's a planning estimate based on your bill, regional sunlight, and typical installed costs. A site-specific proposal accounts for your roof, shading, orientation, and your utility's exact tariff.
How does NEM 3.0 affect solar savings?
Under California's Net Billing Tariff, power you export to the grid earns lower credits than the retail rate. Savings come mostly from using your own solar power. Batteries can help store midday production for evening use.
Are there tax credits?
Incentive availability changes with federal and state law. The calculator lets you enter any credit that applies to you. Confirm eligibility with a qualified tax professional.