Solar savings calculator — reckon your real payback before a single sales call.
A free, no-sign-up calculator built on real utility rates and the actual 2026 tax landscape — plus honest, state-by-state cost and incentive guides for US homeowners.
- Real EIA electricity rates
- NREL sun-hour data
- No email required
Estimate your solar payback
Three inputs. Real local rates. An honest 2026 estimate.
Fine-tune (orientation, offset, financing)
Enter your bill to see your estimate.
- System size
- —
- Est. net cost
- —
- Annual savings
- —
- 25-yr savings
- —
Loan payment: —
Your state’s rules & the 2026 credit
Net metering: Select your state.
Incentives: Select your state.
The 30% federal residential solar tax credit (IRC §25D) expired on December 31, 2025. Homeowners who buy a system in 2026 do not receive a federal tax credit. Leasing or a PPA (third-party ownership) may still pass through some federal benefit via the commercial credit — always verify current federal and state incentives before signing.
Estimated annual production: —; gross cost —; panel count —.
Estimates only — not financial advice, and no federal credit applies to 2026 purchases. Your real numbers depend on roof, usage, utility, equipment, and quotes — verify and get itemized bids.
How it works
Three inputs, no fluff. The math is transparent and the same on every page of the site.
- 1
Enter your bill & state
We pull your state’s real electricity rate (EIA) and average sun hours (NREL) — no sign-up, no sales call.
- 2
See your honest payback
The gauge sweeps to your estimated payback in years, with system size, net cost, and 25-year savings.
- 3
Dig into your state
Open your state’s cost, incentives, and “worth it?” pages for the local rules that change the math.
We won’t pretend the 30% credit still exists.
The federal residential solar tax credit ended on December 31, 2025. Most calculators still quietly bake in a 30% discount that 2026 buyers won’t get. Ours doesn’t — so your payback estimate reflects what you’d actually pay.
Find your state
Payback varies wildly by state. Estimates below assume a $165/mo bill, cash purchase, 2026.
Start with a guide
- Do solar panels increase home value? Owned solar adds an estimated $15,000–$30,000 to resale price in most U.S. markets. Here's what the research says and how to maximize the premium in 2026. Read guide →
- How many solar panels to power a house? (2026) Calculate how many solar panels your home needs using 2026 US figures, a worked example, and a comparison table for different states and usage levels. Read guide →
- Is a Solar Battery Worth It in 2026? Home batteries cost $8,000–$15,000+ installed in 2026 with no federal tax credit. This breaks down when one actually pays off — and when it doesn't. Read guide →
Solar calculator & 2026 FAQ
Is the 30% federal solar tax credit still available in 2026?
No. The residential federal solar tax credit (IRC §25D) expired December 31, 2025. Homeowners who buy a system in 2026 receive $0 federally — only some state incentives and third-party (lease/PPA) arrangements still offer a benefit.
How accurate is this solar savings calculator?
It's a solid directional estimate built from your state's real EIA electricity rate, NREL sun-hour data, and 2026 market install costs. Your exact numbers depend on your roof, usage, utility, and quotes — always compare itemized bids.
What is a good solar payback period in 2026?
Under about 8 years is excellent, 8–12 years is good for a system that lasts 25+ years, and beyond ~15 years the case weakens. With the federal credit gone, 2026 paybacks typically run a few years longer than before.
Is solar still worth it without the federal tax credit?
Often yes — especially in high-rate states like California, Massachusetts, and New York. Losing the 30% credit adds roughly 3–5 years to payback, but high electricity prices and a 25-year system life still produce strong lifetime savings.
Is the calculator free, and do I need to sign up?
Completely free, with no email or sign-up. It runs entirely in your browser and makes no external calls, so your numbers never leave your device.