Time-of-Use Rate Savings Calculator (2026)
Calculate savings from time-of-use electricity rates with solar and battery storage in 2026. See how much you save by shifting loads to off-peak hours.
How to use this calculator
- Enter your peak electricity rate (charged during high-demand hours, typically 4pm–9pm).
- Enter your off-peak electricity rate (charged during low-demand hours, typically nights and weekends).
- Enter daily consumption that can be shifted to off-peak hours (EV charging, laundry, dishwasher).
- Enter your solar system size if applicable.
- See annual TOU savings from load shifting and solar self-consumption.
- map[a:The most favorable TOU rates for solar and EV owners in 2026 come from PG&E (California) with peak rates up to $0.55/kWh and off-peak as low as $0.18/kWh, ConEd (New York) with a $0.15/kWh spread, and Georgia Power with EV-specific overnight rates of $0.08/kWh. Check your utility's website or EnergySage's rate database to find TOU options in your area. q:Which utilities offer the best time-of-use rates in 2026?]
Understanding your results
Time-of-use (TOU) rates charge different prices for electricity at different times of day. Peak hours (typically 4pm–9pm weekdays) cost more; off-peak hours (nights, weekends, early morning) cost less. The spread between peak and off-peak rates averages 8–15¢/kWh but can exceed 30¢/kWh in California and New York.
Load shifting means running high-consumption appliances during off-peak hours instead of peak hours. EV charging, laundry, and dishwashers are the most flexible loads. A household with an EV can save $200–$600 per year through load shifting alone.
Solar + TOU synergy: Solar panels produce most during midday (11am–3pm), which is typically before peak pricing begins. Pairing solar with a home battery lets you store midday solar production and discharge it during the 4pm–9pm peak window — maximising the value of every solar kWh by replacing the most expensive electricity.
How to enrol: Most major US utilities offer TOU rates as an alternative to flat-rate billing. Contact your utility or check their website. Households with EVs, batteries, or flexible loads are most likely to benefit. Use a smart meter and energy monitor to identify your shifting opportunities.
Frequently asked questions
Direct answers for US homeowners.
Related solar guides
In-depth sizing, cost, and payback articles — with state-by-state data.