Solar panel calculator

System size in kW, number of 400 W panels, rooftop area and estimated monthly generation from your daily energy use and local sun-hours.

Solar inputs

kWh/day
hrs/day
%
W
System size required
3.85 kW
Number of panels
10
Rooftop area needed
22
Monthly generation
450 kWh
Annual generation
5,475 kWh
Installed cost
2,11,750

How it's calculated

Required kW = Daily kWh ÷ (Sun hours × Efficiency)
Panels = ceil(Required kW × 1000 ÷ Panel wattage)
Roof area ≈ Panels × ~2 m² each (mono PERC 400 W panel ≈ 2 m²)
Monthly gen = Required kW × Sun hours × Efficiency × 30

The system efficiency (default 78%) accounts for inverter losses (~3%), DC-AC conversion (~3%), wiring (~2%), soiling (~5%), and temperature de-rating (~5–10%) combined — broadly the difference between nameplate and real-world output.

Reference sun hours by region

RegionSun hours / day
Rajasthan, Gujarat (India)5.5 – 6.5
Most of India (annual avg)4.5 – 5.5
UK, North Europe2.5 – 3.5
US Southwest (AZ, NV)5.5 – 6.5
US Midwest / Northeast3.5 – 4.5
Australia (interior)5.5 – 6.5

FAQ

How do I find my daily kWh use?

Take your monthly electricity bill in units (kWh) and divide by 30. A 4 BHK Indian home typically uses 12–25 kWh/day; a 2 BHK runs 6–12 kWh/day.

Should I size for 100% of my consumption?

For grid-tied systems with net metering, yes — size to your annual consumption. For off-grid (with batteries), size to 110–130% to handle cloudy days. For grid-tied without net metering, size to your daytime-only load to avoid wasted generation.

What about subsidies?

India offers a central subsidy under PM Surya Ghar Yojana (up to ₹78,000 for 3 kW residential) and additional state-level rebates. Quoted costs above are pre-subsidy installed price — deduct subsidies after.

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