Our interactive solar savings calculator helps you understand exactly how much you could save with solar panels. Enter your details to see annual savings, payback period, and lifetime benefits.
How to Use the Calculator
The calculator estimates savings based on your system size, roof direction, electricity usage patterns, and current tariffs. Results show annual benefits and 25-year lifetime savings.
Key Factors Affecting Your Savings
- System Size: Larger systems generate more electricity but cost more upfront
- Roof Direction: South-facing roofs get 100% efficiency, east/west get 70%
- Self-Consumption: Percentage of generation you use vs export to grid
- Electricity Rate: Current rate (24.5p/kWh average), affects payback calculation
- SEG Export Rate: Income from exporting (4-6p/kWh typical)
Understanding Your Results
Annual Output: Total kWh your system generates yearly
Annual Savings: Money saved from self-consumed electricity plus SEG export income
Payback Period: Years until installation cost is recouped through savings
Lifetime Savings: Total savings over 25-year panel lifespan
Typical UK Household Examples
London Terrace (South-facing, 4kW, 4,000 kWh usage): Annual savings £350-£450, payback 15-18 years
Manchester Detached (South-facing, 5kW, 5,000 kWh usage): Annual savings £480-£620, payback 13-16 years
Scotland Property (South-facing, 5kW, 4,500 kWh usage): Annual savings £320-£420, payback 18-22 years
How to Improve Your Savings
- Add Battery Storage: Increases self-consumption to 70-80%, improving payback by 5-7 years
- Use Time-of-Use Tariffs: Shift usage to solar peak hours (10am-3pm) or cheap off-peak times
- Maximize Solar Array: Install larger system (5-6kW instead of 4kW) if roof space available
- Combine with Heat Pump: Electric heating + solar provides maximum long-term savings
Get Personalized Quotes
Get free quotes from MCS-certified installers based on your specific home and usage patterns.