Upgrade your solar setup without guesswork or delays. Model capacity, storage, and grid export options. See savings, payback, and reliability before buying equipment today.
| Scenario | Current (kW) | Added (kW) | Sun hours | PR | Self-use | Grid rate | Export rate | Battery (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Site office + tools | 10 | 5 | 5.5 | 0.78 | 70% | 0.16 | 0.08 | 10 |
| High self-use camp | 15 | 10 | 5.2 | 0.80 | 85% | 0.18 | 0.06 | 20 |
| Export-focused setup | 20 | 15 | 6.0 | 0.76 | 45% | 0.14 | 0.10 | 0 |
kWh = kW × SunHours × PR × DaysPanels = ceil((Added kW × 1000) ÷ Panel W)Self kWh = ΔkWh × Self%, Export kWh = ΔkWh − Self kWhValue = (Self kWh × GridRate) + (Export kWh × ExportRate)Net = GrossBenefit − (NetCapex × O&M%)Years = NetCapex ÷ NetAnnualBenefittCO₂ = (ΔkWh × GridFactor) ÷ 1000A solar system upgrade on a construction site typically targets reliable daytime power for site offices, lighting, security, charging stations, and small tools. The calculator estimates the incremental energy created by new capacity and then translates that energy into cost avoidance and export value. Use it to compare upgrade sizes, storage options, and budget lines before procurement.
Annual production depends on peak sun hours, performance ratio, and operating days. Performance ratio bundles real losses such as temperature, wiring, inverter efficiency, and soiling. For early planning, keep PR conservative and validate later with site shading checks, tilt decisions, and equipment datasheets. The incremental approach helps isolate only the upgrade benefit.
The highest financial value usually comes from self-consumption because it offsets full grid purchase costs. Export value depends on the tariff or net-metering agreement. Increase self-consumption by aligning loads to solar hours, adding timed charging, or using storage to shift energy into evening work or security loads.
Upgrade cost should include solar hardware, storage, inverter changes, labor, permits, and fixed project overheads such as temporary shutdowns or crane time. Incentives reduce net cost, while annual operations cost captures cleaning and minor servicing. Simple payback is a quick screening metric; detailed investment decisions should include lifecycle replacement and financing.
Many projects track emissions reduction by applying a grid factor to incremental kWh. If your client requires reporting, use an approved factor from the utility or national inventory source. Battery sizing improves resilience for critical loads during outages. Use the backup estimate as a planning indicator, then confirm with real load profiles and battery discharge limits.
| Use case | Current kW | Added kW | Sun hours | PR | Self-use % | Grid rate | Export rate | Battery kWh | Cost per kW |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remote camp power | 8 | 6 | 5.8 | 0.77 | 82 | 0.17 | 0.06 | 18 | 950 |
| Urban site office | 12 | 4 | 5.0 | 0.80 | 68 | 0.20 | 0.08 | 8 | 880 |
| Export-driven upgrade | 18 | 12 | 6.2 | 0.75 | 40 | 0.14 | 0.11 | 0 | 820 |
1) What is a good performance ratio for planning?
For early estimates, many projects use 0.72 to 0.85. Choose lower values for dusty sites or high temperatures,
and confirm later using equipment specs, wiring design, and cleaning plans.
2) Why does self-consumption change the savings?
Self-consumed energy offsets the full grid purchase rate. Exported energy is valued at the export rate, which
is often lower. Shifting loads to daytime can increase self-consumption and improve payback.
3) Should I include batteries in every upgrade?
Not always. Batteries improve resilience and can increase self-consumption, but they raise capital cost.
Add storage when outages are common, night loads are critical, or export compensation is weak.
4) How should I set peak sun hours for my site?
Use a conservative average for the location and season of operation. If the project runs year-round,
use an annual average. If work is seasonal, use the expected months to avoid overestimating production.
5) Does the calculator include panel degradation?
The model is first-year planning and does not apply degradation. For long-term studies, reduce annual kWh
by a small percentage each year and include inverter or battery replacement at expected intervals.
6) What costs should be added to “fixed project cost”?
Include mobilization, temporary shutdown coordination, lifting equipment time, extra safety controls,
design fees, or inspections that do not scale with kW. Keep it separate to compare multiple sizing options.
7) How do I validate the results before purchase?
Confirm shading, racking layout, interconnection limits, and actual load profiles. Review vendor datasheets,
verify tariff rules for export, and check that the inverter and protection settings match the upgraded size.
Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.