Energy Savings Calculator
Estimate your annual and lifetime savings with balcony solar.
System Configuration
Battery Storage (Optional)
Your Potential Savings
Annual Generation
730 kWh
energy produced yearlyAnnual Savings (Solar)
£175
from solar generationTotal Annual Savings
£175
all sources combinedBattery Savings (Annual)
£0
from battery arbitrageOff-Peak Arbitrage
£0
grid charging savingsPayback Period
5.1
years (assuming £900 system cost)10-Year Projection
£1,750
total savings over decadeCO2 Avoided
0.18
tonnes per yearSeen your potential savings?
Head to PlugSolarHub for our enhanced calculator, personalised product recommendations, and UK-specific guides based on your setup.
Understanding Your Results
Annual Generation
The total electricity your system produces yearly, calculated from system size × sunlight hours × 365 days. More sun and larger systems = more generation.
Annual Savings
The monetary value of electricity generated by your solar system, based on your local electricity rate. This is the free energy your system produces that would otherwise be purchased from the grid.
Battery Savings
Additional savings from storing excess solar energy in a battery for evening use, avoiding peak-rate electricity purchases. Only available if you add battery storage.
Off-Peak Arbitrage
Savings from charging your battery during cheap off-peak hours and using that stored energy during peak times. This only applies if you enable grid charging and have off-peak rates.
Payback Period
How many years until your total savings equal your initial system investment. Based on an assumed system cost of £900; adjust this estimate based on your actual quote.
CO2 Avoided
Tonnes of carbon dioxide not released into the atmosphere because your system generates clean, renewable energy instead of grid electricity. Average UK grid: ~0.233 kg CO2 per kWh.
Tips for Accurate Estimates
- Sunlight Hours: Southern England typically gets 5-5.5 hours of usable daily sunlight; Scotland and northern regions average 4-4.5 hours. Use online UK solar resource maps for precision.
- Electricity Rate: Check your latest energy bill for your actual rate. Rates vary significantly by supplier and region.
- System Size: Most balcony systems are 400W or less. Larger systems generate more but may face approval hurdles.
- Battery Addition: Batteries add £1500-£3000 to system cost. They're worthwhile if you can use stored energy during peak-rate hours.
- Realistic Payback: Calculations assume consistent 2025 electricity rates. If rates increase (likely), payback accelerates and long-term savings grow.
- Performance Variance: Real-world generation varies ±15% due to weather, seasonal changes, and shading. Our estimates are conservative.
Recommended Products
Ready to purchase? Here are our top-rated EcoFlow systems for UK balcony solar. We earn a small affiliate commission if you buy through these links — at no extra cost to you.
EcoFlow STREAM 800W — Balcony Kit
2 × 400W panels, 800W micro inverter, Wi-Fi & App control. Plug-and-play for balconies, gardens, and vertical walls.
EcoFlow STREAM 800W — Lattice Balcony
Same 800W system with brackets designed specifically for lattice-style balcony railings. Great for renters.
EcoFlow Stream Pro — 800W + 1.92kWh Battery
Full power plant with battery. 1.92kWh (expandable to 11.52kWh), 6000-cycle LFP battery, AI energy management & dual AC port.