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We use your location to provide localized solar offers and incentives.
We serve MA, NH, CT, RI, ME, VT, NJ, PA, and TX
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NuWatt designs, installs, and manages solar, battery, heat pump, and EV charger systems across 9 states. One company, one warranty, one point of contact.
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Most solar companies give you a number and expect you to trust it. We show you exactly what data drives your estimate and how confident you should be in every figure.
Most solar estimates are treated as a single magic number. But they are built from multiple data sources, each with varying quality. A small error in one input can cascade into thousands of dollars of difference in your expected costs and savings.
Using a national average rate ($0.17/kWh) instead of your actual rate ($0.28/kWh in MA) can overstate payback by 3+ years.
Many sites still show a 30% residential federal tax credit. Section 25D expired December 31, 2025. That is $7,500+ that does not exist.
Assuming a south-facing roof when yours faces west can overestimate production by 15-25%, significantly changing your real savings.
Every NuWatt estimate is scored across five data-quality dimensions. Each factor is independently rated and weighted by its impact on estimate accuracy.
Your roof's size, pitch, orientation, and available area determine how many panels fit and how much sun they catch.
Satellite verified
We've confirmed your roof dimensions and orientation using high-resolution satellite imagery.
Address provided
We have your address but haven't verified the roof via satellite. Dimensions may be approximate.
Estimated from home size
We're using your home's square footage and bedroom count to estimate roof area.
No property data
We're using regional averages for roof size and orientation.
Shading from trees, buildings, and other obstructions can reduce solar production by 10-40%. Accurate shade data is critical.
On-site analysis
A professional measured shading at your property with specialized equipment.
Satellite analysis
We analyzed shade patterns from aerial imagery and sun-path modeling.
Self-reported
You indicated your shade level (some, moderate, heavy). This is a rough approximation.
No shade data
We're assuming full sun exposure, which may overestimate production.
Your actual electricity consumption determines the right system size. More accurate usage data means a better-sized system.
Bill uploaded & parsed
We extracted your exact monthly kWh usage and rate from your utility bill.
12-month history
You provided a full year of usage data, capturing seasonal variation.
Monthly bill amount
We estimated kWh from your dollar amount using your utility's rate schedule.
Estimated from home size
We used regional averages based on your home size and occupant count.
Your electric rate determines how much each kWh of solar production saves you. The exact rate directly affects ROI calculations.
Exact rate plan identified
We know your utility and specific rate plan, including time-of-use tiers if applicable.
Utility identified
We know your utility but are using their standard residential rate.
State average rate
We're using a statewide average, which can differ significantly from your actual rate.
Different panels, inverters, and batteries have different costs, warranties, and performance characteristics.
Specific equipment selected
You've chosen exact panel model, inverter type, and any batteries.
Equipment tier selected
You've chosen a tier (value, standard, or premium) but not specific models.
Default equipment
We're using our most common equipment package as a baseline.
Adjust the data quality levels below to see how the confidence score changes. This is the same component that appears in your actual solar estimate.
Quick Presets
Adjust Individual Factors
Good Confidence
Your estimate is reasonably accurate. Providing more data could narrow the range further.
Address provided (no satellite)
Satellite shade analysis
Monthly bill amount provided
Utility identified, standard rate
Equipment tier selected
Improve Your Estimate
Every estimate comes with a confidence score. No other solar company shows you what they know versus what they are guessing.
Utility rates, incentive programs, and equipment pricing refreshed every week. Not quarterly. Not annually.
We track 25+ utilities across 9 states. Your estimate uses your actual rate, not a national average.
Section 25D expired. We will never inflate your savings with tax credits that no longer exist.
When you provide your address, we verify your roof dimensions and orientation with satellite imagery.
We show you exactly where our estimate might be off and how to fix it, rather than hiding behind a single number.
We track construction deadlines, incentive expirations, and rate changes so your estimate reflects time-sensitive factors.
Here is what each confidence range means for your estimate and what to expect.
High Confidence
Your estimate is within +/-10% of final price. You can make decisions with high certainty.
Recommendation
Ready for a proposal
Good Confidence
Reasonably accurate, but 1-2 factors could be tightened. Estimate may shift +/-15%.
Recommendation
Upload a bill or verify address
Moderate
Several key inputs are estimated. Final price could differ by +/-25% or more.
Recommendation
Provide more data before deciding
Low Confidence
This is a ballpark figure only. Major inputs are missing or assumed.
Recommendation
Not ready for a commitment
A remote solar estimate using satellite imagery and actual utility bills typically achieves 85-95% accuracy for system sizing and cost. The main variables are roof condition (which requires an on-site inspection) and precise shading from nearby trees or structures. NuWatt's confidence score shows you exactly where the remaining uncertainty lies.
Your electric bill provides exact usage data (kWh) and your actual utility rate, which are two of the five confidence factors. Without a bill, we estimate usage from home size and occupants, which introduces a +/-25% margin. With real bill data, that margin drops to +/-5%.
Satellite shade analysis uses aerial imagery and sun-path algorithms to estimate shading throughout the year. It catches major obstructions like tall buildings and large trees. On-site analysis uses specialized equipment (like a Solar Pathfinder or Suneye) to measure shade from every angle, including small obstructions satellite imagery may miss. On-site analysis is about 15% more accurate for shade-related production estimates.
Yes, different solar panels and inverters have different efficiency ratings, degradation rates, and temperature coefficients. A 440W Silfab panel produces about 10% more energy per square foot than a generic 370W panel. Knowing the exact equipment lets us calculate precise production, warranty coverage, and long-term ROI rather than using averages.
NuWatt updates utility rates weekly, tracks incentive program changes in real time, and refreshes equipment pricing monthly. This means your estimate always reflects current costs — not data from six months ago. Many competitors use quarterly or annual data updates, which can make estimates thousands of dollars off.
Absolutely. The confidence score is designed to guide you toward a more accurate estimate. You can upload your utility bill, confirm your address for satellite verification, or select specific equipment at any time. Each improvement updates your score and may change your estimated costs and savings.
We recommend reaching at least 80% confidence before making a final decision. At that level, your estimate typically reflects +/-10% of the final installed price. Scores above 90% indicate very high accuracy where the final price is usually within 5% of the estimate.
Start with our Solar IQ quiz. In under 2 minutes, you will get a personalized solar estimate with a full confidence breakdown showing exactly what we know and what is estimated.