Power Station Real Cost Calculator
Estimate real $/kWh useful AC from published specs, usage pattern, and transparent assumptions. Built for side-by-side planning, not marketing-nameplate comparisons.
Inputs
Real Energy Cost
Simple mode$0.00
per useful AC kWh over 5 years
Spec-based estimate
Total Cost (5y)
$0
Useful AC Energy
0.0
kWh over 5 years
$/Useful Cycle
$0.00
$/kWh Battery-Side
$0.00
Grid Energy
0.0 kWh
Avg Capacity Factor
1.000
Effective Cycles
0 / 0
Sensitivity (Price only)
-20%
$0.00
Base
$0.00
+20%
$0.00
Method and assumptions
This tool reports $ / kWh useful AC: total 5-year cost divided by AC energy actually delivered at the outlet. In simple mode, it stays aligned with the site-wide runtime framework using a 0.70 real-world derate.
Price is user-controlled. Use your paid price when possible. If cycle demand exceeds the published cycle reference, the model warns and clamps effective cycles in v1.
For users who need deeper modeling, advanced mode decomposes usable factor, inverter efficiency, and charge efficiency while keeping cycle-life guardrails.
Simple mode (default)
Fast and consistent with existing pages. Best for planning and comparisons when you only have published specs.
Advanced mode
Better for heavy-cycle users. Exposes efficiency assumptions directly to reduce approximation bias.
Why chemistry matters (LFP vs NMC)
Under high annual cycling, cycle-life assumptions dominate total cost. A lower-cycle chemistry can look cheap upfront but expensive per useful kWh over a 5-year horizon.
FAQ
What does $/kWh useful AC mean? +
It is the total 5-year cost divided by the AC energy actually delivered at the outlet. This is more realistic than using battery nameplate watt-hours alone.
Why is this labeled a spec-based estimate? +
The calculator uses manufacturer specs plus transparent global assumptions. Real-world outcomes vary with temperature, battery age, charging behavior, and load profile.
Why does the tool warn when cycles exceed cycle life? +
If your selected usage exceeds the published cycle reference, the battery may need replacement before year 5. In v1, the model clamps to published cycle life and surfaces a warning.
Can I use my own local electricity rate and paid price? +
Yes. Enter your own purchase price and local $/kWh rate. User-entered values take priority over any prefilled defaults.