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About PanelFit

PanelFit is an independent tool that estimates rooftop solar potential from real aerial imagery, rather than from postcode averages.

How it works

When you enter an address we geocode it and query Google's Solar API, which analyses aerial and 3D imagery of that specific building. It returns the roof's usable area, how many standard panels physically fit, and how many hours of usable sunlight the roof receives per year after shading from trees, chimneys and neighbouring structures.

We combine that with the average residential electricity rate for your state or province and a standard cost model to estimate system size, cost, annual savings and payback period.

What we don't do

• We don't sell solar panels or installations.
• We aren't paid by installers, and we don't pass your address to anyone.
• We don't ask for your email, phone number or name.
• We don't store the addresses people look up.

The site is supported by advertising. That means our incentive is to be accurate and useful enough that people come back — not to generate sales leads.

Our assumptions, in the open

Every page states the figures behind it: 400W panels, a 0.85 system derate, $2.85/W installed cost, the 30% US federal tax credit where applicable, and state or provincial average electricity rates. Real quotes vary widely — treat our numbers as a starting point for a conversation with installers, not a substitute for one.

Corrections

If you spot something wrong, we'd genuinely like to know. Solar economics move quickly and electricity rates change constantly.