Suitable Solar guide
How solar savings are calculated
Solar savings are not one fixed number. A sensible estimate looks at how much electricity the system generates, how much you use at home, how much you export and what your import and export tariffs are.
Use Suitable Solar to check your postcode area, rough bill, roof direction and battery preference.
Generation estimate
Generation is usually estimated from system size in kWp, local solar conditions, roof direction, roof pitch and shading. South-facing unshaded roofs tend to generate more, while shaded or less direct roofs may generate less.
Self-consumption
Self-consumption means using solar electricity in the home instead of buying electricity from the grid. This is usually the most valuable part of the saving because import electricity normally costs more than export payments.
Export payments
Unused electricity may be exported to the grid through an export tariff such as the Smart Export Guarantee. Export payments can help the overall return, but rates vary by supplier and tariff.
Battery effect
A battery may increase self-consumption by storing more daytime solar for evening use. That is why solar plus battery storage is often a premium option to review, especially for homes with meaningful evening electricity use.
Why final quotes differ
Final figures change when an installer checks roof size, shading, equipment, tariff, meter type, battery capacity and the household usage pattern. A website estimate should be treated as a guide, not a guarantee.
Homeowner FAQs
What is the biggest factor in solar savings?
How much solar electricity you use yourself is often one of the biggest factors.
Are export payments guaranteed?
No. Export rates and eligibility depend on supplier, meter and tariff.
Does a battery always increase savings?
It can increase self-consumption, but the financial return depends on cost, tariff, battery size and usage.