PVWatts Instructions
The PVWATTS site is used to calculate estimated system production from a solar system.
Once the PVWATTS site is accessed there are two versions available for analyzing solar grid tied system production. Version 1 is simpler to use and is typically adequate for system evaluation. Version 2 is more accurate, but is significantly more difficult to use and is not recommended.
To use PVWATTS perform the following:
- Start on this site.
- Select Version 1.
- Again scroll down the page and select "PVWatts Version 1 Calculator" (second bullet). You will see the map, click on New Jersey, or select the link for an alphabetical list of states and select New Jersey.
- From the map of New Jersey select either Newark or Atlantic City whichever is closer. If you cannot decide which is closer to your location a rule of thumb is the further south the better the production numbers.
Input the following information:
- The proposed system size in kW-DC.
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Leave the standard derate factor at .77.
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From the drop down menu select the array type.
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If you system is fixed tilt or single axis tracking then input the tilt angle.
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Input the compass heading of the major portion of the system in degrees.
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Enter the local cost of electricity or leave it at the default value of 11.2 cents per kWh.
Select the calculate button.
View and print out the results page.




