Current-use plan
- System size
- 7.8 kW
- Panel count
- 20
- Planning roof area
- 483 sq ft
Future-load solar planning
Plan Solar for an EV and Other Future Home Loads
Compare the system your current usage suggests with a future-use plan. EV energy is calculated from your miles and efficiency; every other new load stays user-entered.
Editable future loadsCurrent vs future panelsState production basis
Estimate preview
Panels, cost, savings
System size7.8 kW
Payback window5-7 yr
ConfidenceHigh
Future-load planning
Compare solar size now with your future home
Start with current electricity use, then add EV charging and other expected monthly kWh. Every future-load assumption stays editable.
Current vs future
How future loads change the planning estimate
No future load is entered yet, so current and future plans match.
Future-use plan
- System size
- 7.8 kW
- Panel count
- 20
- Planning roof area
- 483 sq ft
Added for future loads
- System size
- +0.0 kW
- Panel count
- +0
- Planning roof area
- +0 sq ft
Current annual use
10,800 kWh
EV wall energy
0 kWh
Other added energy
0 kWh
Future annual use
10,800 kWh
EV energy formula
Annual miles × kWh per 100 miles ÷ 100 × home-charging share × (1 + charging overhead).
0 × 30.0 ÷ 100 × 80% × (1 + 10%) = 0 kWh
Production basis
PVWatts-style starter production assumption
1,600 kWh/kW-year · Reviewed: 2026-07-22
What this estimate assumes
- EV efficiency and charging share come from your entries; charging timing and time-of-use rates are not modeled.
- Other future load is user-entered because heat-pump and appliance use depends on equipment, climate, operation, and the home.
- Solar sizing uses the selected state production basis, shade, system loss, panel wattage, and annual offset target.
- Roof area is a planning allowance, not a layout, structural review, setback check, or permit design.
Use the future-use plan as a discussion baseline, then verify electrical capacity, roof layout, production, and utility rules with qualified professionals.
SolarCalcNow provides planning estimates only. Results are not installer quotes, engineering designs, tax advice, financing recommendations, or utility interconnection approval.
Plan the load before promising the offset
A current bill is a historical baseline. An EV, heat pump, water heater, pool equipment, workshop, or home addition can change annual electricity use after solar is designed.
This tool makes the change visible without claiming a universal load for equipment that depends on climate, controls, efficiency, and household behavior.
What to do next
After sizing the future load, model your utility's retail rate, export value, and fixed charges before comparing installer proposals.
FAQ
Common solar calculator questions
How does the planner estimate EV charging energy?
It multiplies annual miles by the vehicle's kWh per 100 miles, applies the share charged at home, and adds your charging-overhead percentage. All values are editable.
Why does the tool not estimate heat-pump electricity automatically?
Heat-pump use varies with equipment, climate, building envelope, controls, and the system being replaced. Enter a project-specific monthly kWh estimate instead of relying on a universal placeholder.
Does the result confirm my electrical panel can support an EV charger?
No. The result estimates annual energy and solar size. A qualified electrician should verify service capacity, circuit sizing, continuous-load rules, permits, and charging equipment.
Is the future panel count an installer quote?
No. It is a planning estimate based on state production, shade, system loss, panel wattage, and offset inputs. Roof layout and site-specific production still need verification.