Balcony Solar Advisor

Balcony solar savings calculator

Pick your state, which way your balcony faces and how you’ll mount the panel. You’ll see what it saves, when you’re paid back, and how many hours of sun that takes.

Which way does your balcony face?
facing
How is the panel mounted?
Shade on the panel
¢ per kWh
% a year
¢ per kWh
$
You’d save about
in year one
Paid back in
Money ahead after 10 years
Made per year
Used in your home

Your money over 15 years

Month by month

Same kit, other directions (year one)

This position gets of the best possible output in your state.

How it works, in short

We follow the sun across your state’s sky every 10 minutes for a typical day in each month and work out how much light hits a panel at your direction and angle. We scale that to how much a panel makes in your state, then compare it with your always-on use. Power you use counts at your price; power that leaves counts at what your utility pays. Full method and limits.

Common questions

How accurate is this calculator?

It's a solid estimate, not a quote. We use one typical location per state, so in big states your real number can be 10 to 20% higher or lower. Method and limits.

What is always-on power use, and how do I find mine?

It's what your home uses around the clock: fridge, router, chargers, standby. If your utility app shows hourly use, look at the middle of the night. A smart plug on the fridge helps too. Most homes run 150 to 400 W.

Why does extra power count as $0?

Most plug-in solar laws don't require utilities to pay for power that flows out of your home, and many don't. If yours does, enter the rate.

What kit price should I enter?

What you'll actually pay: the kit, plus the mount and shipping if they're extra.

What is a peak sun hour?

One hour of full, strong sunlight on the panel. We use it to show how much sunshine it takes to earn back your kit.