Calculator Methodology
Our Solar Savings Calculator generates estimates using proven photovoltaic modeling practices, Philippine-specific energy data, and industry-standard financial formulas. The goal is to give you a realistic preview of your potential cost savings and environmental impact before a full engineering assessment.
We combine your electricity usage with current local rates, solar production factors, and system performance assumptions to calculate:
- Annual Energy Consumption — based on your bill and the actual kWh rate in your area.
- Solar Offset Potential — the portion of your consumption a PV system can realistically cover.
- Annual and Lifetime Savings — factoring in self-consumption, export credits, tariff escalation, and panel performance over 25 years.
- Environmental Benefits — your estimated CO₂ reduction, expressed in kilograms and relatable equivalents (trees planted, cars removed).
Our methodology adjusts for different customer segments — whether you’re a homeowner, a business, an off-grid facility, or a solar plant operator — so that your results reflect typical usage patterns, system sizes, and energy pricing relevant to your profile.
1.1 Annual Energy Consumption (kWh/year)
- Electricity Rate: ₱12.64/kWh (Meralco Residential Rate, July 2025)
- Fixed Charges: Metering + service fees from your bill.
1.2 Annual Savings (₱/year)
- Self-Consumption Ratio (SC): Residential 0.50–0.65; C&I 0.80–0.95; Off-grid ~1.0.
- Export Credit (Texport): Based on local net-metering/net-billing rules.
1.3 Lifetime Savings (₱)
- Tariff Escalation: 3%/year (industry benchmark)
- PV Degradation: 0.5%/year (NREL, 2013)
- System Lifetime: 25 years (Tier-1 module warranty)
1.4 Environmental Impact (CO₂ Reduction)
- Emission Factor: 0.69 kg CO₂/kWh (DOE NGEF 2019–2021)
- Converted to relatable equivalents in the calculator output (trees planted, cars removed).
Our calculator tailors its assumptions based on the customer profile you select:
- Residential: Higher offset %, export credits often lower than import rates, battery option increases SC ratio.
- Commercial & Industrial: Adds peak-shaving benefit for demand charges; adjusts for Time-of-Use (TOU) rates.
- Remote/Off-Grid: Compares PV LCOE with diesel generation (fuel, O&M, logistics); battery-inclusive PR adjustment.
- O&M Operators: Values yield gains and cost reductions from improved maintenance.
- Circular Economy: Uses value-recovery calculation for second-life PV modules.
| Parameter | Default Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity Rate | ₱12.64/kWh | Meralco Advisory, July 2025 |
| Grid CO₂ Factor | 0.69 kg/kWh | DOE NGEF 2019–2021 |
| PV System Lifetime | 25 years | Tier-1 Manufacturer Warranty |
| PV Degradation | 0.5%/year | NREL Study (Jordan & Kurtz, 2013) |
| Tariff Escalation | 3%/year | Industry Benchmark |
Note: These figures are indicative. A site-specific engineering study will refine these estimates using detailed load data, shading analysis, and actual installation parameters.