Solar Production Loss Calculator
Dial in each loss factor to see exactly how much production your system is losing — and how much that costs you each year.
Your System
Shading
Nearby trees casting shadows on panels during peak hours
Chimney, vent, or other roof feature casting shadows
Soiling
Valley dust, bird droppings, and pollen on panel surfaces
Heavy bird activity causing localized soiling
Degradation
Natural efficiency loss over time (0.8%/yr typical)
First-year efficiency drop in standard silicon panels
System / Equipment
Inverter errors, clipping, or partial failure reducing output
One or more microinverters or power optimizers offline
Corroded connectors, loose MC4 connections, or undersized wiring
Other
Panels not facing true south or at suboptimal tilt angle
Central Valley summer heat reduces panel efficiency
Production Loss Summary
Recoverable Production
3% of your losses ($169/yr) are fixable with maintenance or repairs.
Loss Breakdown
Get a performance audit
We diagnose underperforming systems across the Central Valley — shading analysis, inverter testing, panel inspection, and cleaning.
Calculator Assumptions
- Peak sun hours: 5.5 hrs/day (Fresno/Central Valley average)
- Grid rate used for dollar loss: $0.35/kWh (PG&E residential average)
- Losses are compounded — each factor reduces what remains after previous losses
- Temperature derating default: 5% (Central Valley summer heat is significant)
- Dust/soiling default: 3% (typical for valley floor without regular cleaning)
- Results are estimates; actual losses depend on your specific system, location, and conditions