Calculator inputs
Responsive layout: 3 columns large, 2 columns smaller, 1 column mobile
Example data table
Sample scenarios to sanity-check inputs
| Scenario | Daily miles | Efficiency | Sun hours | Derate | Offset | Panels (400 W) | Estimated kW |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| City commute | 20 | 0.26 kWh/mi | 4.5 | 80% | 100% | 7 | 2.8 |
| Suburban | 30 | 0.30 kWh/mi | 5.0 | 80% | 100% | 10 | 4.0 |
| High mileage | 60 | 0.34 kWh/mi | 5.5 | 78% | 110% | 22 | 8.8 |
Examples are illustrative; local conditions can shift results.
Formula used
- Driving-day EV energy = daily miles × kWh per mile × (1 + charging losses).
- Annual EV energy = driving-day EV energy × driving days per week × (365 ÷ 7).
- Target solar energy = annual EV energy × solar offset target.
- Annual kWh per kW = peak sun hours × 365 × system derate.
- Solar size (kW) = target solar energy ÷ annual kWh per kW.
- Panel count = ceil(solar size × 1000 ÷ panel wattage).
- Year‑1 value = expected annual kWh × electricity rate.
- Simple payback = net cost ÷ (year‑1 value − annual O&M).
- NPV discounts annual cash flows using the discount rate, applying degradation and escalation each year.
- Battery nameplate = usable night energy ÷ (DoD × efficiency).
How to use this calculator
- Enter your daily miles and kWh per mile from your vehicle’s dashboard or app.
- Set driving days per week so annual energy reflects your real routine.
- Pick local peak sun hours and a realistic system derate for losses.
- Adjust offset target if you want partial or extra coverage.
- Add rate, system cost, and rebates to estimate payback and returns.
- Enable battery sizing if nighttime charging or resilience matters.
- Press Calculate. Results appear above the form under the header.
- Use Download CSV or Download PDF to save your summary.