This is a quick and basic simulator to show you how much energy you can generate and how much of a utility bill that will offset. This is not nearly as accurate as the advanced simulation tools we use for our proposals, but it will give you an idea of how many solar panels you might need. For a more accurate proposal, get a quote by contacting us!
Array Size
Tilt / Pitch
Shading
Utility Rate
Annual Sun-Hours1,700 kWh/kW·yr
System Losses14%
Orientation (Azimuth)
0°=N, 90°=E, 180°=S, 270°=W
N
E
S
W
Azimuth: 180° (South)
Results
DC Nameplate
10.00 kW
Orientation Factor
0.96×
Annual Production
14,213 kWh
Monthly Avg
1,184 kWh
Annual Utility Offset
$0
Monthly Utility Offset
$0
kWh ≈ DC_kW × Annual_per_kW(tilt, azimuth) × (1 − 0.14) × (1 − Shading).
Monthly Estimate
How to Use
- Set Panels and Panel Wattage with the sliders or by typing values. Presets jump to common system sizes.
- Adjust Orientation by clicking the compass or with the azimuth slider (South = 180°).
- Match your Roof Pitch or adjust Tilt. Tilt and pitch stay synced.
- Add Shading Loss if trees/buildings obstruct the array (simple linear estimate).
- Set your utility Electric Rate (¢/kWh) to see the annual and monthly $ offset.
Assumptions
- Location fixed to Fort Myers, FL (typical-year weather).
- South 25° baseline ~1,700 kWh/kW·yr.
- System losses fixed at 14%.
- Shading slider reduces output linearly (0–50%).
- Monthly shape uses PVWatts (with API key) or a Fort Myers–calibrated fallback that peaks in Apr/May.
Limitations
- Annual production uses a PVWatts-inspired lookup grid and interpolation by tilt & azimuth; for stamped designs, run PVWatts/SAM directly.
- Linear shading; no horizon/row-spacing or hourly shade modeling.
- No temperature coefficient seasonality beyond fixed losses.
