Prior to installing a solar system at your location, it is important to understand the amount of electricity your solar system will produce. The solar production estimate should be compared to your actual electricity usage from the past 12 months to help you decide whether installing solar is feasible for you. The tools below will aid you in estimating the energy production of a solar system at your location. Please note that both tools are providing estimates of solar production- the values provided are not guarantees of annual solar production.
PVWatts Calculator
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory has a solar calculator that can be used to estimate the solar production of all solar systems, regardless of utility service territory. To accurately use this calculator, you will be required to enter specifics of your potential solar system. Therefore, it is recommended that you obtain at least one quote from a Solar Installer prior to using this calculator so you have an estimation of system size, tilt and other measures prior to use.
To use this calculator, click the link below and begin by entering the address of your installation. Once the calculator has confirmed your location, you can enter your proposed solar system information or use their map tool to draw your solar system on a map. Once you have entered the system information you will be provided with an annual solar production estimate. You can compare this estimate with your annual electricity usage from your electricity bill and with any quotes you have received from solar installers to determine if the proposed system will meet your energy needs.
Delmarva Power Customers
Delmarva Power offers a solar calculator that customers can utilize to determine their estimated solar production. Delmarva’s calculator uses the building’s historical energy usage as part of their calculation, so they can calculate the estimated costs, savings, and payback period for solar installations. To use the solar calculator, follow the link below and either enter your address or login to your Delmarva account to get started.
