Calculate PV yield, self-consumption, autarky and grid import from location, system size, orientation, shading and load profile.
ENERGY01
This calculator estimates annual PV energy, the share used directly in the building and the remaining grid import.
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Results
PV + load + storage
Complete the inputs and calculate.
Inputs and method
PV yield and self-consumption
Estimate annual yield, direct use, autarky, grid import and export.
Inputs
Site or latitude/longitude, kWp, azimuth, tilt, shading, annual demand and load profile.
Latitude and longitude select the site dataset: latitude affects solar height, day length and annual path, while the full coordinate also selects climate and irradiation. Azimuth and tilt set the incidence angle; shading reduces not only annual energy but can, through partial shading and bypass diodes, sharply reduce individual string output at certain times. The load profile determines whether generation is used directly, stored or exported.
Calculation
A site-specific yield is multiplied by kWp and loss factors. Generation and demand are balanced to derive self-consumption and autarky.
Example
A 10 kWp system at 950 kWh/kWp produces an idealized 9,500 kWh/year; load profile and shading determine direct use.
Sources and limits: PVGIS time series are preferable for detailed site design; this annual balance is a screening estimate.
Technical article
PV yield and self-consumption in detail
Estimate annual yield, direct use, autarky, grid import and export.
What does this quantity describe?
Energy calculators balance quantities over time and separate useful energy, losses and grid import. This matters because power is instantaneous while energy is its time integral.
Formula and variables
A site-specific yield is multiplied by kWp and loss factors. Generation and demand are balanced to derive self-consumption and autarky.
Choose the inputs correctly
Site or latitude/longitude, kWp, azimuth, tilt, shading, annual demand and load profile. Latitude and longitude select the site dataset: latitude affects solar height, day length and annual path, while the full coordinate also selects climate and irradiation. Azimuth and tilt set the incidence angle; shading reduces not only annual energy but can, through partial shading and bypass diodes, sharply reduce individual string output at certain times. The load profile determines whether generation is used directly, stored or exported.
How to use the calculator
Enter site (latitude/longitude), system size in kWp, azimuth, tilt, shading, annual electricity consumption and a matching load profile. The calculator estimates annual yield, direct self-consumption, autarky, grid import and export.
Worked example
A 10 kWp system at 950 kWh/kWp produces an idealized 9,500 kWh/year; load profile and shading determine direct use.
Understand the result and units
Latitude and longitude select the site dataset: latitude affects solar height, day length and annual path, while the full coordinate also selects climate and irradiation. Azimuth and tilt set the incidence angle; shading reduces not only annual energy but can, through partial shading and bypass diodes, sharply reduce individual string output at certain times. The load profile determines whether generation is used directly, stored or exported. An annual value describes a scenario, not a guarantee for every day. Efficiency, coincidence, temperature, driving profile and tariff assumptions can change practical results more than rounding.
Power in kWp, energy in kWh per year, angles in degrees, shares in percent.
Typical applications
A first estimate of annual yield and self-consumption share for a planned PV system, or comparing different orientations and tilt angles for yield and self-consumption.
Assumptions, limits and common mistakes
PVGIS time series are preferable for detailed site design; this annual balance is a screening estimate.
Common mistake: Don't ignore the chosen load profile – at the same annual consumption, a daytime-heavy profile gives noticeably higher self-consumption than an evening-heavy profile without storage. Don't underestimate shading; even partial shading of one string can reduce yield more than the shaded area fraction alone suggests.
Frequently asked questions
Why isn't south orientation automatically the best choice?
South maximizes annual yield, but an east-west orientation can spread generation across the day and, with a daytime-active load profile, raise self-consumption despite slightly lower total yield.
What's the difference between self-consumption share and autarky?
Self-consumption share is the fraction of PV generation used directly; autarky is the fraction of total consumption covered by PV – both metrics can differ substantially for the same system.
How accurate is this annual estimate?
It uses a simplified, site-based yield approach. For detailed, bankable planning, an hourly PVGIS time series gives substantially more accurate values.
Model
A simplified annual yield is matched to the household load profile. Self-consumption, autarky, grid import and export are derived from that balance.
Scope
The site formula is a transparent screening estimate. Use a site-specific PVGIS time series for detailed design.
Assumptions
Inputs, units and assumptions remain traceable in the result. Planning and approval require measured data, manufacturer documentation and a time-series simulation.
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