Inverter Clipping Loss Calculator
Enter your solar array DC size, inverter AC rating, and site data to estimate annual clipping losses in kWh and dollars.
System Parameters
Total rated DC output of all panels combined
Maximum continuous AC output of your inverter
Annual average — typically 3.5–6.5 in the continental US
Accounts for wiring, temperature, soiling (0.75–0.85 typical)
Used to calculate lost revenue from clipped energy
Enter system parameters and click Calculate
Results appear here
Gross Annual Output
kWh / year (no clipping)
Clipped Energy
kWh / year lost
Net Delivered Energy
kWh / year to grid
Annual Revenue Lost
at your electricity rate
25-Year Revenue Loss Projection
5 Years
10 Years
25 Years
Assumes constant rates. Actual losses decline ~0.5%/yr as panels degrade below inverter ceiling.
Summary
Enter your solar array DC size, inverter AC rating, and site data to estimate annual clipping losses in kWh and dollars.
How it works
- Enter your solar array DC capacity in kilowatts-peak (kWp) — found on your panel spec sheet or system quote.
- Enter your inverter's AC output rating in kilowatts (kW AC).
- Set peak sun hours per day for your location (4–6 for most of the US; check NREL PVWatts for your city).
- Adjust the performance ratio (default 0.80) to account for wiring losses, temperature derating, and soiling.
- Set the electricity rate to translate clipped kWh into lost dollar value.
- Read the DC/AC ratio, estimated annual clipping loss in kWh, and annual revenue lost.
Use cases
- Evaluate whether a proposed DC/AC ratio of 1.2–1.4 is financially justified.
- Compare clipping losses before choosing between a smaller or larger inverter.
- Estimate payback impact when right-sizing an inverter for a rooftop system.
- Optimize battery storage sizing by quantifying clipped energy available for storage.
- Validate a solar installer's system design against expected production losses.
- Model the trade-off between inverter cost savings and clipping losses over 25 years.