When to use this calculator
Self-consumption differs from self-sufficiency: one uses solar generation as the denominator and the other uses site demand.
Explore the solar generation & value calculators for other questions in this topic. For a related calculation, use the Solar Self Sufficiency Calculator: Find the share of total site demand met by on-site solar energy.
PUTTING IT INTO PRACTICE
Solar Self Consumption: a worked example
The values below are an illustrative example, not a recommendation. Replace them with measurements or assumptions that match your question.
| Input | Example value |
|---|---|
| Solar energy used on site (kWh) | 1,800 |
| Solar energy generated (kWh) | 3,000 |
| Result | 60 % |
- Check the input labels and enter the example values above.
- Apply the relationship: Self-consumption (%) = on-site solar use/generation × 100.
- The result is 60 %, rounded for display.
How to interpret your result
Use the same period and decide consistently how battery charging and losses are counted.
Peak sun hours describe equivalent full-power sunlight, not total daylight. Self-consumption and self-sufficiency have different denominators. On-site use and exports may have different monetary values.
Frequently asked questions
Are self-consumption and self-sufficiency the same percentage?
No. Self-consumption divides solar used on site by solar generated; self-sufficiency divides solar supplying demand by total site demand.
When is the solar self consumption calculator useful?
Self-consumption differs from self-sufficiency: one uses solar generation as the denominator and the other uses site demand.
How do I use the solar self consumption calculator?
Enter solar energy used on site (kwh), solar energy generated (kwh). The result updates automatically. Use the units shown beside each input; the example values illustrate the method.
Which formula does this calculator use?
Self-consumption (%) = on-site solar use/generation × 100.
What should I check before using the result?
Use the same period and decide consistently how battery charging and losses are counted.
How are results rounded?
Scalar numbers display up to six decimal places, with scientific notation for very large or small values. Text, fraction, date and schedule outputs use the format described on the tool. Intermediate calculations use JavaScript floating-point arithmetic. Keep sensible precision for your measurements.
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