Is this solar calculator a quote?
No. It is a directional estimate for comparing quote assumptions. A final quote still needs a site inspection or property-specific design.
Solar calculator
Estimate solar savings before you compare installer quotes.
Use a directional estimate to understand system size, annual savings, and payback. Then use the estimate to challenge vague savings claims and compare real local quotes.
Bill-led estimate
Start from what you pay, then test whether the quote assumptions are realistic.
Not a sales promise
Actual savings depend on tariffs, export limits, roof layout, usage and equipment.
Easier quote comparison
Use the result to ask each installer about the same system size and assumptions.
Fast answer
What this solar savings calculator can and cannot tell you
A calculator can estimate bill impact, generation and simple payback. It cannot confirm final savings without site-specific quote details such as roof orientation, shade, export limits, tariff type, equipment choice and whether any incentive assumptions are already included in the installed price.
Use the result as a quote-checking baseline
If an installer quote claims much higher savings than your calculator result, ask which tariff, export rate, self-consumption percentage and annual production estimate were used. Strong quotes make those assumptions clear.
Estimate
Annual savings
$1,799
Estimated system cost
$5,940-$9,240
Generation
9,395 kWh/yr
Simple payback
3.3-5.1 yrs
This is a directional estimate using broad assumptions. Actual quotes depend on roof layout, tariffs, export limits, equipment, rebates, and installer inspection.
Compare assumptions
Solar calculator result versus installer quote
| Item to check | Calculator estimate | Installer quote should show |
|---|---|---|
| System size | Tests common residential system sizes such as 6.6kW, 8kW, 10kW and 13.2kW. | Panel count, inverter size, export-limit assumptions and why that size suits your roof and usage. |
| Savings | Uses broad electricity-rate, feed-in and self-consumption assumptions. | The tariff, feed-in rate, self-consumption estimate and annual production model used in the savings claim. |
| Cost | Shows a directional installed-cost range for comparison. | Gross price, incentive deduction, final payable price, switchboard allowance and any exclusions. |
| Payback | Simple payback based on estimated annual savings and installed cost range. | A payback explanation that changes when battery, finance, tariff or export assumptions change. |
Source-backed checks
Assumptions worth checking before you accept a quote
Use official and independent references to check whether a quote explains incentives, battery assumptions, equipment eligibility and comparison details clearly enough to trust.
Clean Energy Regulator STC postcode dataCheck whether the quote explains the incentive assumption and source date for small-scale certificate calculations.NSW residential battery informationUse NSW battery guidance when comparing solar-only, battery-ready and battery-included quote assumptions.Solar quote comparison checklistUse the Solar Quote Match checklist to compare equipment, warranties, exclusions and support before accepting.
Next step
Use the estimate to compare quotes more clearly
A quote is easier to compare when it starts with bill size, roof context, battery interest and timing. Share those details once, then check each quote against the same expectations.
Solar calculator FAQs
Questions before using the estimate
Why can installer savings claims differ?
Savings can change with tariff, export rate, self-consumption, roof layout, shade, system size, equipment and whether a battery is included.
What should I do after calculating savings?
Use the result as a baseline, then request local quotes and ask each installer to explain the same assumptions in writing.