Solar System Estimates

Please Note: These results reflect only an estimate of your system costs and payback based on TN Valley average figures and assumptions made on the performance of your system. The solar analysis provided by this tool is for illustrative purposes only, as the actual performance and cost of your solar system can vary based on numerous factors. These results do not constitute a representation by TVA or your Local Power Company regarding the accuracy of these results or a recommendation on whether you should install a solar system on your property.

To generate energy equal to {{results.model.systemSizeOffsetFactor}}% of your current electricity consumption, your system will need to generate {{results.annualElectricityProduction | number}} kWh per year. This will require a {{results.systemSizeKW}} kW system, consisting of {{results.numOfSolarPanels}} solar panels.

Specifications

{{results.systemSizeKW}} kW System Size (DC) The size of your system is typically based on the amount of energy you would like to generate, relative to your usage, and the amount of usable space available on your roof or property. While larger systems will generate more electricity, oversizing your system may lead to a longer payback period, depending on usage patterns and program participation. You can adjust the percentage of electricity usage you would like to offset within the “Advanced Options” section above.	{{results.numOfSolarPanels}} Solar Panels This number indicates how many solar panels are required for your solar system based on the system size and the average solar panel output. Please note that the number of solar panels that you can actually install will be limited by various factors including: available roof/property space, dimensions of each solar panel, roof slope, shading on your roof property, azimuth, etc. Solar panels vary in size, wattage, and technology. The typical solar panel produces 300 watts of electricity and is sized 3.25 ft. by 5.4 ft. (about 17.5 sq. ft.).	{{results.annualElectricityProduction | number}} kWh Annual Electricity Production This value indicates how much electricity your solar system will generate each year. This number is based on a 20-year average since your panels’ efficiency will reduce over time.

Estimated Costs & Payback

Your {{results.systemSizeKW}} kW system will cost an average of {{results.totalInvestment.solarNoProgram}}, without any financing. With the investment tax credit (if applicable), it will take {{results.paybackPeriod.solarNoProgram}} years to pay off your system.

	No Solar This column shows your estimates without a solar installation	Solar This column shows your estimates for installing a solar system without participating in a renewable program offered by your local power company and TVA. These systems are often referred to as “behind the meter” and generate electricity to help offset your monthly electricity bill. However, under this scenario, there will likely be times when your solar system is generating more energy than you are consuming (i.e. while household members are not at home). The excess electricity that is not being used is put back on the electricity grid; this opportunity loss is referred to as “load mismatch.” Please note that the payback estimates for this option are calculated based on the current rate structure which may vary from year to year
Total Avg. Investment This is the average cost for installing your solar system. Please note that this cost does not include miscellaneous installation fees such as inspection, metering, communication costs, etc. Your local power company and TVA recommends requesting quotes from multiple solar installers to get a better indication of your actual system costs. Please note that if you qualify for the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), the total upfront cost of your system will be the investment amount before the ITC is applied since the incentive amount will have to be claimed as a tax credit. If the ITC checkbox is selected at the bottom of this section, the values displayed in this row will show your net investment cost (after the ITC is applied).	{{results.totalInvestment.noSolar}}	{{results.totalInvestment.solarNoProgram}}
Monthly Net Electric Cost (20-year avg.) This is your average monthly net electric cost over the course of 20 years. This is calculated based on your average monthly electric bill today, how much you can expect electric rates to increase in the future, and how much solar incentive you receive over the years.	{{results.monthlyNetElectricCost.noSolar}}	{{results.monthlyNetElectricCost.solarNoProgram}}
Payback Period (years) This value refers to the number of years it will take to pay off your solar system based on your total investment cost and the amount of your total monthly savings	{{results.paybackPeriod.noSolar}}	{{results.paybackPeriod.solarNoProgram}}
Incentives	Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) - If Applicable Uncheck the Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) option to see how your solar system estimates change. Currently, the ITC allows customers to claim a specific tax credit percentage towards the total investment cost of their system. However, this credit amount has incrementally decreased since 2020 and will eventually drop to zero in 2024 for residential customers, while remaining at 10% for commerical customers.” * with maximum ITC applied Accelerated Depreciation (MACRS) - If Applicable Uncheck the Accelerated Depreciation option to see how your solar system estimates change. Accelerated Depreciation allows applicable business customers to accelerate the cost recovery of a solar system across a 5 year period through the MACRS method. Please click here for additional details.

* Estimates based on current rate structure, which is subject to change. Click here for more information on TVA’s proposed 2018 Rate Restructure. System size and total generation is based on selected inputs; however the generation used could be significantly lower due to the timing differences between generation and energy use.