Residential solar calculator
The residential solar calculator is a tool intended to help determine the viability of adding solar photovoltaic (PV) panels as an alternative energy source to residential buildings (single-family homes) in Calgary.
Homeowners can use this tool as a starting point to help assess their home's solar potential, and to get an idea of the estimated costs and payment options. Please keep in mind, the residential solar calculator is intended for informational purposes only.
To gather more accurate decision-making information, please consult with a professional solar installer, who will be able to carry out a detailed site review and system design engineering, and provide an accurate quote for installation along with other information tailored to your residence.
How to use the residential solar calculator
To use the residential solar calculator:
- Choose a location on the map below or enter an address in the search bar.
- Enter your electricity usage either by a.) filling in the text box with information from your electricity bill OR b.) selecting your dwelling size.
- Click on the "Calculate your solar potential" button.
Results will be generated showing information such as the size of solar panel system recommended, environmental impact and finance options based on the information you provided, along with resources to help you with the next steps for your solar installation.
The residential solar calculator
1. Choose a location on the map below or enter an address in the search bar.
How we calculate this information
The calculation of solar potential is based on solar irradiance and available roof area to site solar panels. We use the City’s Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data to assess your available productive roof area taking into account obstructions, shading, roof shape, orientation and pitch.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s (NREL) PVWatts tool is then used to estimate annual electricity generated by each panel. The total number of panels and their consumption is then summed to generate a solar potential for each address on an annual basis (in generalized optimal conditions).
The City provides open access to our solar potential data used to make this calculator.
Next steps
Ready to install solar on your rooftop? Here are some other resources that might help.
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The solar guide for Albertans.
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Interest-free financing to help make your home more energy efficient.
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Locate a solar service provider in your area.
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Learn about how you can finance solar using the City of Calgary Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP)
Disclaimer
The residential solar calculator is intended for information purposes only and as primary solar opportunity assessment tool. It is only intended to be used within the limits of City of Calgary. It is not intended to be used as a decision-making source of information for solar panel installations.
Users should contact solar professionals who will carry out a detailed site review and quote for installation. Please note that new/modified structures since the date of LiDAR collection (2018) will not be reflected within the solar potential map.