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Solar Savings Calculator

Estimate your savings from installing solar panels based on your location, system size and current electricity costs.

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Disclaimer

This calculator provides estimates for general information purposes only. Results are based on standard formulas and may not reflect your individual circumstances. Always consult a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do solar panels take to pay for themselves in Australia?
Most residential solar systems pay for themselves in 3-5 years in Australian cities, depending on system size, electricity rate, and self-consumption. After payback, the system generates free electricity for its remaining 20+ year lifespan. The key factor is self-consumption — using solar power directly rather than exporting it saves 3-5x more per kWh.
What size solar system do I need?
A 6.6kW system (the most popular residential size) suits a household using 20-30kWh per day. For smaller households (15-20kWh/day), a 5kW system is sufficient. Larger homes or those with EVs may benefit from 10-13kW systems. Check your electricity bill for daily usage to find the right size.

What is Solar Savings?

A solar savings calculator estimates the financial benefit of installing rooftop solar panels based on your location, system size, electricity usage patterns, and local feed-in tariff rates.

How this calculator works

The calculator uses average peak sun hours for your Australian city (ranging from 3.6 hours in Hobart to 5.5 hours in Perth) to estimate daily energy production. It then splits production between self-consumed electricity (which saves you your full retail rate, typically $0.25-0.35/kWh) and exported electricity (which earns the feed-in tariff, typically $0.04-0.08/kWh). Self-consumption is where the real savings are — the higher your self-consumption percentage, the faster the payback. Most Australian solar systems pay for themselves in 3-5 years and last 25+ years.

All calculations are performed in your browser — your data never leaves your device. Results are for general guidance only and should not be considered professional financial advice.

Built and maintained by Konstantin Iakovlev. Data sourced from the ATO and official Australian government sources.