PVWatts Calculator is a free public web tool developed by the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) estimating solar PV energy production and savings.
Overview
What is PVWatts Calculator?
PVWatts Calculator is NREL's free public solar energy production tool.
- Primary use case
- Solar Energy Design & Management
- Best for
- Homeowners, clean energy advocates, policy analysts, and software developers looking for trusted solar production data.
- Pricing
- non-profit
- Platforms
- Web
- Official website
- pvwatts.nrel.gov
- Last verified
- Jul 1, 2026
Key Features
- NREL Energy Estimator
- Global Weather Data Engine
- Grid Connected PV Modeling
- Free Public Science Tool
Pros & Cons
Pros
- +Developed by NREL, the premier US national renewable laboratory
- +Accurately estimates electricity production and cost savings globally
- +Easy-to-use public web calculator used by homeowners and installers
Cons
- −Designed for standard system layouts rather than complex 3D commercial CAD
🖋️ Editorial Review
3.8/5 Editorial ReviewDisclaimer
"Gold standard public science tool for solar production forecasting."
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about PVWatts Calculator
What is PVWatts Calculator?
PVWatts Calculator is PVWatts Calculator is NREL's free public solar energy production tool. It is best suited for homeowners, clean energy advocates, policy analysts, and software developers looking for trusted solar production data.
Who is PVWatts Calculator best suited for?
PVWatts Calculator is designed specifically for: Homeowners, clean energy advocates, policy analysts, and software developers looking for trusted solar production data..
What pricing plans does PVWatts Calculator offer?
PVWatts Calculator is offered as a non-profit product. As a non-profit initiative, contributions directly support ecosystem restoration, tree planting projects, or conservation grants.
What are the main features of PVWatts Calculator?
The core features that make PVWatts Calculator stand out include:
- NREL Energy Estimator
- Global Weather Data Engine
- Grid Connected PV Modeling
- Free Public Science Tool
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Quick Specs
Last verified: Jul 1, 2026Pricing verifiedData source: Official vendor website
Sector☀️ Solar Energy
Subcategories
Pricing Model
non-profit
Best Suited ForHomeowners, clean energy advocates, policy analysts, and software developers looking for trusted solar production data.
Regions of Impact
Global
Tags
nrel solarsolar calculatorpv simulationenergy yieldpublic softwareNRELSolar CalculatorEnergy ProductionFree ToolOpen API
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