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)
In California, a ~3.4 kW system could pay back in ~9.1 years.
- System size
- 3.4 kW
- Est. net cost
- $9,922
- Annual savings
- $1,087
- 25-yr savings
- $29,619
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, which requires construction started by July 4, 2026 or service by Dec 31, 2027 — 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
- Best states for solar incentives (2026) With the federal credit gone, state programs decide your return. A 2026 ranking of the best states for solar incentives — credits, net metering, and rebates. Read guide →
- Do solar panels increase home value? Owned solar usually raises sale price, but premiums have shrunk as system prices fell. What Berkeley Lab, Zillow, and Fannie Mae found, and how to protect it. Read guide →
- Duke Energy PowerPair rebate 2026: the $9,000 check, explained PowerPair pays up to ~$9,000 for new solar + battery in North Carolina. As of October 2026 DEP is closed and DEC is nearly full. Terms, cohorts, and taxes. 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.