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Solar calculator guides: what the numbers mean

Every Solar Metrix calculator has a guide that explains the method, the inputs that matter, a worked example and the point where the estimate stops being reliable. Start with the decision you are trying to make, not the tool.

Size the system

Consumption, production and physical fit
Sizing

System Size Calculator Guide

Why metered kWh beats an appliance list, how location drives the result, and the difference between peak load and total load.

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Production

Solar Yield Calculator Guide

P50 versus P90, the loss stack, temperature derating and what the weather model can and cannot see.

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Feasibility

Roof Space Calculator Guide

Why 60 m² of roof is not 60 m² of panels, how layouts are packed, and how obstacles and parapets remove capacity.

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Orientation

Solar Panel Tilt Calculator Guide

The 0.87 × latitude rule, true south versus magnetic south, seasonal tilt and when adjustment is not worth it.

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Electrical

String Sizing Calculator Guide

Cold-weather voltage, per-MPPT current, DC/AC ratio and how to read the layouts the calculator rejects.

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Work out the money

Payback, loans and storage economics
Payback

Solar Payback Calculator Guide

What each input does, how to read every figure, and which numbers decide the answer versus which are forecasts.

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Financing

Solar EMI Calculator Guide

Monthly payment, total interest, the real annual rate and the cash-flow gap while the loan is still running.

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Storage

Grid vs Battery Calculator Guide

Net metering as a virtual battery, the daily simulation, and when a physical battery actually beats the grid.

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Storage

Battery ROI Calculator Guide

Degradation, replacements, LCOS and why most batteries need a non-financial reason to buy.

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Plan the next step

Backup, expansion and electric vehicles
Backup

Battery Backup Calculator Guide

How the bank, inverter and series-parallel layout are sized around the loads you need during an outage.

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Expansion

Solar Expansion Calculator Guide

Adding an AC, EV charger or appliance to an existing system, and when the inverter must be replaced.

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Transport

EV vs Petrol Calculator Guide

Cost per kilometre, charging mix, payback, break-even distance and the solar array needed for daily driving.

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Every calculator, one place

All twelve tools are free and run in your browser. Start with your bill, your roof or your load — the guides explain the rest.

Open the calculators