Calculator Inputs
Example Data Table
| Scenario | System Size | Cost Per Watt | Rebate Type | Rebate Rate | Cap | Expected Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small home | 5.5 kW | $2.90 | Rate per watt | $0.50 | $2,000 | Basic roof system |
| Medium home | 8.0 kW | $2.75 | Rate per watt | $0.60 | $2,500 | Balanced savings plan |
| Large home | 12.0 kW | $2.55 | Percent of cost | 10% | $3,000 | High energy use |
Formula Used
Total cost = System size in watts × installed cost per watt.
CPS rebate = selected rebate method, limited by the rebate cap.
Cost after incentives = total cost − CPS rebate − state credit − other incentives.
Federal credit = cost after incentives × federal credit percentage.
Net cost = cost after incentives − federal credit.
Annual solar energy = system kW × peak sun hours × 365 × performance ratio.
Annual savings = self-used kWh × retail rate + exported kWh × export credit − maintenance − loan payments.
NPV = discounted yearly net savings − net cost.
LCOE = lifetime system cost divided by lifetime solar production.
How to Use This Calculator
Enter your proposed system size in kilowatts. Add the installed cost per watt or enter a manual total cost. Select the rebate method that matches your program quote. Add the rebate rate and maximum cap.
Next, enter tax credits, other incentives, local sun hours, performance ratio, and annual degradation. Add electricity rates, export credit, and expected self-consumption. The calculator estimates energy output, incentive value, payback, net present value, and long-term savings.
Use the CSV button to export detailed yearly results. Use the PDF button to save the summary for planning, quoting, or internal review.
CPS Solar Rebate Planning Guide
Why Solar Rebates Matter
A solar rebate can reduce the first cost of a home system. This matters because solar savings usually arrive over many years. A lower starting cost can shorten payback. It can also improve return on investment. This calculator helps users compare rebate methods, energy value, credits, and financing effects in one simple page.
Understanding System Cost
Solar cost often starts with system size. A larger system has more panels and more inverter capacity. The calculator multiplies kilowatts by one thousand. It then applies the installed cost per watt. Users can also enter a manual total cost. This helps when a contractor has already supplied a complete quote.
How Rebate Choices Work
Different rebate programs may use different rules. Some use a dollar amount per watt. Others use a rate per kilowatt, a fixed amount, or a percentage of cost. A cap is also common. The calculator estimates the raw rebate first. It then limits the final rebate by the entered maximum cap.
Energy Production Logic
Solar output depends on sunlight, system size, and performance losses. Peak sun hours describe usable solar resource. Performance ratio adjusts for inverter loss, heat, wiring loss, soiling, and other real conditions. The calculator also reduces future energy with annual degradation. This creates a more realistic long-term estimate.
Savings and Payback
Solar savings come from energy used at home and energy exported to the grid. Self-used energy offsets the retail electricity rate. Exported energy may receive a different credit. The calculator separates both values. It then subtracts maintenance and loan payments. Payback appears when cumulative cash flow becomes positive.
Advanced Financial View
The calculator includes net present value and levelized cost of energy. Net present value discounts future savings into today’s dollars. Levelized cost compares total lifetime cost with lifetime production. These outputs help users compare solar against utility power, loans, and other home upgrades.
FAQs
1. What is a CPS solar rebate calculator?
It estimates rebate value, net cost, energy output, tax credit impact, payback, and long-term savings for a solar project.
2. Can I change the rebate formula?
Yes. You can choose rate per watt, rate per kilowatt, percentage of project cost, or fixed rebate amount.
3. Why is there a rebate cap?
A cap limits the maximum incentive. The calculator first finds the raw rebate, then applies the maximum amount.
4. Does this calculate solar production?
Yes. It estimates first-year solar energy using system size, peak sun hours, days, and performance ratio.
5. What is performance ratio?
Performance ratio adjusts ideal solar output for real losses, including heat, inverter loss, wiring loss, and soiling.
6. What is self-consumption?
Self-consumption is the share of solar energy used inside the home before energy is exported to the grid.
7. What does NPV show?
NPV shows the present value of future savings after subtracting net solar cost. Higher values are generally better.
8. Is this a final rebate approval tool?
No. It is an estimator. Always confirm program rules, rates, caps, and eligibility with the official provider.