Sola Savings & Options Calculator

1. Tell Us About Your Home & Energy Needs

Information Category	Your Input	Notes
Zip Code		For sunlight, rates, incentives.
Avg. Monthly kWh		From your utility bill.
General Consumption Increase?		e.g., New home office.
↳ Additional Monthly kWh		If “Yes” above.
Electric Vehicle (EV)?		Own or plan to get one.
↳ Monthly EV Miles		Avg. EV: ~0.3-0.4 kWh/mile.
Current Electric Pool Pump?
Plan to Add Electric Pool Pump?		If not already electric.
Home Additions/New Buildings?		e.g., Guest house.
↳ New Conditioned Sq. Footage		For the new addition.

2. Your Potential Solar Impact (Estimates)

A. Estimated Energy Profile

Estimated Current Annual Electricity Usage: — kWh

Estimated Future Annual Electricity Usage: — kWh

B. Solar System & Production Estimates

Recommended Solar System Size (~90% Offset): — kW

Est. Avg. Peak Sunlight Hours (Your Area): — hours/day

Est. Annual Solar Energy Production: — kWh

C. Potential Financial Impact (Illustrative – Based on Purchase)

Est. Avg. Cost of Electricity (Your Area): $—/kWh

Potential First-Year Electricity Bill Savings: $—

Potential Gross Savings Over 25 Years: $—

Est. Upfront System Cost Range (Purchase): $— – $—

Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC): 30% of system cost (if you purchase & are eligible. Verify current status).

Net Est. Cost After ITC (Purchase): $—

State & Local Incentives: Incentives vary. Research local programs (e.g., DSIREUSA.org).

Important Disclaimer: These figures are ESTIMATES for illustrative purposes only. Actual costs, production, and savings will vary based on your specific home, location, utility rates, chosen installer, and available incentives. Always consult with qualified local solar installers for accurate site assessments and binding quotes.

3. How to Go Solar: Exploring Your Options

Feature / Option	Cash Purchase	Solar Loan	Solar Lease	Solar PPA	“No Lien, No Loan, No Upfront” Clarified
Upfront Investment?	Yes, full system cost.	Often $0 down or low upfront.	Typically $0 or very low.	Typically $0 upfront.	Typically refers to Solar Leases or PPAs.
Who Owns the System?	You (homeowner).	You (homeowner).	Solar company.	Solar company.	Solar company.
Receive Tax Credits (e.g., ITC)?	Yes, directly.	Yes, directly.	No (owner claims).	No (owner claims).	No (you don’t own).
Payments	None after purchase.	Fixed monthly loan.	Fixed monthly lease (may have escalator).	Pay per kWh produced (may have escalator). Varies monthly.	Monthly for lease or power.
Maintenance & Repairs	Your responsibility (or warranty).	Your responsibility (or warranty).	Usually solar company.	Usually solar company.	Solar company.
Impact on Home Sale	Asset, can increase value.	Asset; loan transfer/payoff.	Lease transfer to qualified buyer or buyout. Can complicate.	PPA transfer to qualified buyer or buyout. Can complicate.	Lease/PPA transfer or buyout.
Potential Lien on Property? (?) A UCC-1 filing on equipment is common for leases/PPAs and is not a traditional property lien but a record of interest in the equipment itself.	No (unless funded by home equity loan).	Possibly. Secured loans (yes). Some solar loans: unsecured or UCC-1 on equipment only. Clarify with lender.	No direct property lien. UCC-1 on equipment common.	No direct property lien. UCC-1 on equipment common.	No property lien for system. (UCC-1 on equipment for lease/PPA).
Best For…	Maximizing long-term ROI; claiming all incentives.	Owning system with manageable payments; claiming incentives.	Minimal upfront cost; predictable payments; no maintenance hassle.	Minimal upfront cost; pay for power produced; no maintenance.	Solar benefits with no initial capital outlay & no direct loan/property lien for system.

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