If I spend this much on solar, what output and savings might I get?

How it works

Understand the estimate

Estimated array size is budget divided by installed cost per kWp. Multiply array size by annual generation and the fraction used to offset purchases to estimate avoided purchased electricity.

Make it more accurate

Roof geometry, municipal tariffs, export rules, inverter sizing and actual hourly load shape strongly influence savings.

These figures are examples based on editable inputs. They do not represent verified current rates, supplier prices or quotes.

A rooftop quote needs more than panels and sunlight

Solar generation is not the same as bill savings. Electricity produced when you cannot use it may have little financial value without permitted export compensation or storage. Equipment sizing, roof direction, shading, financing, maintenance and tariff escalation can all affect the outcome.

Try the numbers: A 5 kWp array with an illustrative annual yield of 1,500 kWh per kWp generates around 7,500 kWh a year. If the household can use only 60% of that generation, 4,500 kWh offsets grid purchases. At R3/kWh that is R13,500 of simple annual avoided energy charges before expenses.

Before relying on the estimate

Do not treat a simple payback figure as an investment guarantee. Ask an installer for interval-based production and consumption estimates and read the actual warranty exclusions.

For more detail, read our calculation and editorial standards. The current price and personal circumstances must come from you; we do not fetch or invent live supplier rates.