Production planning tool

Solar Panel Output Calculator

Estimate how much electricity a solar array could produce from the number of panels, panel wattage and a state-level annual solar-yield assumption.

W
1,480 kWh/kW-yearState-level planning assumption, not site-specific PVWatts.
DC system size8.80 kW
Estimated annual production13,024 kWh
Average monthly production1,085 kWh
Average daily production35.7 kWh

At this state planning yield, one 440 W panel corresponds to about 651 kWh/year before site-specific adjustments. Real output depends on roof orientation, tilt, shading, weather, inverter losses, equipment, soiling and local climate. Use ZIP-specific PVWatts for a better production estimate.

What this calculator tells you

The tool converts panel count and module wattage into DC system size, then multiplies that system size by a state-level planning yield. It shows estimated annual production plus simple monthly and daily averages.

For a one-panel estimate, choose the 1 panel preset. For a full array, enter the actual panel count from a proposal or from the Solar Panel Calculator.

Why real solar production changes by roof

  • South-, east- and west-facing roof planes do not produce the same annual energy or the same hourly profile.
  • Shade from trees, nearby buildings, chimneys or roof geometry can reduce output.
  • Roof tilt, inverter clipping, wiring losses, soiling and equipment efficiency all matter.
  • Weather varies from year to year even at the same address.

State solar yield is a planning estimate derived from NREL residential PV resource-class ranges, not a site-specific PVWatts result.

See the visual solar orientation guide for the difference between annual kWh and time-of-day production.

Move from state planning to your actual location

Use the Solar Production by State comparison to compare all 50 states. For a better estimate at your home, run the Home Solar Calculator with your ZIP code, which uses PVWatts production data. For roof-specific building insights, use the Solar Roof Analyzer.