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You can use this simple chart to calculate how much energy you currently use.

You'll need a pocket calculator to complete the worksheet.  Make as good an estimate as you can about your daily usage of each appliance, and multiply the watts by the hours to fill in the Watt/Hours column on the right (Watts x Hours = Watt-Hours).

The watts shown for each appliance indicate typical power consumption.  If you want to be more precise, you can look on your appliances to see how much power they use - the wattage is usually stamped on the appliance.

To calculate your light usage, check the wattage of your light bulbs and estimate roughly how many lights you have on and for how long each day.

We've left some blank lines for appliances you may have that are not here.

Once you have your total watt hours, divide that number by 1000. That gives you your total kilowatt hours (kWh), which is how power usage is normally measured:

Total Watt Hours/1,000 = Total Kilowatt Hours

To choose your solar power system, you can review your current energy usage and compare it with the kWh supplied by each of our solar systems. But remember - once you become a solar energy user, you will probably change your lifestyle to maximize the performance of your solar electric system.

Solar Incentives - Residential
Solar Incentives - Non-residential
Which Solar System is Right for You?
Energy Use Worksheet
Bright Ideas for Efficient Living
Power Plant Locations
Solar Research