★★★★★
"This calculator was spot-on — my installer quoted almost the same number. Saved $2,400 my first year and I'm on track for 8-year payback."
Free solar panel cost calculator and ROI estimator for US homeowners — no email required.
The free, no-signup solar savings calculator trusted by US homeowners. Get your personalized 25-year savings estimate, payback period, and federal tax credit in under 60 seconds.
Based on 2026 EIA electricity rates, NREL solar models & current IRS tax credit rules
Run the calculator to see your payback progress ring and detailed breakdown.
| Yr | Rate (¢) | Annual Save | Cumulative | Net Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Run the calculator to see the breakdown. | ||||
Our network of certified installers competes for your business — homeowners save an average of $3,000+ by comparing quotes.
This is a demo CTA. Link to your preferred lead-gen affiliate partner.
Average solar panel system cost after the 30% federal tax credit, by system size.
| System Size | Avg. Cost (Before ITC) | After 30% Tax Credit | Est. Monthly Loan |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 kW | $13,500 | $9,450 | $65/mo |
| 7 kW | $18,900 | $13,230 | $91/mo |
| 10 kW | $27,000 | $18,900 | $130/mo |
| 13 kW | $35,100 | $24,570 | $169/mo |
*National average before incentives. Actual cost varies by state, installer, and equipment. Use the calculator above for a personalized estimate.
Larger systems cost more upfront but have a lower cost per watt. The average US home needs 7–10 kW to offset 100% of electricity use.
Premium panels (SunPower, REC) cost 10–20% more than standard tier, but have higher efficiency and longer warranties.
CA, TX, and FL have the most competitive pricing. States with fewer installers may cost 15–25% more.
Complex roofs increase labor costs by $500–$2,000 compared to a simple gable roof.
"This calculator was spot-on — my installer quoted almost the same number. Saved $2,400 my first year and I'm on track for 8-year payback."
"Super easy to use. The year-by-year breakdown helped me explain the ROI to my husband. We went solar 3 months later. Best decision ever."
"Printed the results and brought them to three different installers. Having the data made negotiations so much easier. Got $1,800 off the best quote."
Compare the three main ways to pay for solar panels and find the best option for your situation.
Best for most homeowners. $0 down, fixed monthly payment, you own the system and get the tax credit. Typical rates: 4–8% APR. Use our calculator to see if the loan payment is less than your current electric bill.
$0 down, lower monthly payment, but you don't own the system and don't get the tax credit. Savings are typically 10–20% on your electric bill. Available in select states.
Highest 25-year savings (no interest), increases home value by ~4.1%, and protects against rising electricity rates. Average payback: 7–10 years.
Yes — if your monthly loan payment is less than your current electric bill, you start saving from day one. Our calculator shows your loan payment vs. current bill so you can see your monthly cash flow impact instantly.
See how many solar panels you need to cover your EV charging at home
Click any state to see estimated lifetime savings based on 2026 EIA electricity rates
The complete process in 4 simple steps — from sunlight to savings
Solar panels on your roof capture sunlight and generate DC (direct current) electricity throughout the day
Your inverter transforms DC electricity into AC (alternating current) — the type your home uses
Clean solar energy powers your lights, appliances, and electronics in real time — just like grid power
Extra power flows back to the grid — you earn credits that offset nighttime usage and lower your bill
Net metering lets you sell excess solar power back to the grid when your panels produce more electricity than your home uses (typically during midday). Your utility gives you a credit that offsets the electricity you use at night.
CA, NY, NJ, MA, CT, MD, VT — utilities credit you at the full retail electricity rate. Most valuable for solar owners.
CA (NEM 3.0), NV, ID, UT — credits are below retail rate. Still worth it, but payback period is 1–3 years longer.
AL, MS, SC (partial), TN, SD — adding a battery is highly recommended to store excess power instead of exporting it.
Our calculator assumes net metering at 100% of retail rate. If your state has reduced net metering (like California NEM 3.0), your actual savings may be 20–40% lower than estimated. Run the calculator with your state to see your estimate.
The average US homeowner with a $150/month electric bill saves between $20,000–$40,000 over 25 years after accounting for the 30% federal tax credit. Your exact number depends on your location, roof, electricity rate, and system size.
The Inflation Reduction Act extended the Residential Clean Energy Credit at 30% through 2032. This applies to the full installed cost — panels, labor, wiring, and battery storage. It's a dollar-for-dollar reduction in your federal tax bill.
Battery storage (like Tesla Powerwall or Enphase IQ Battery) adds roughly $7,000–$15,000 to your system cost but provides backup power during outages. The 30% tax credit also applies to batteries. Most advisors recommend batteries in areas with frequent outages or high demand charges.
Net metering lets you sell excess electricity your solar panels generate back to your utility company. Most states require utilities to offer it. Depending on your utility's rate structure, net metering can add $300–$800/year to your savings.
Compare our calculator estimate with typical installer quotes. Get 3 quotes to find the best price.
| System Size | Panels | Typical Installer Price | Our Calculator Estimate | Potential Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 kW | 13 panels | $18,000–$22,000 | — | — |
| 7 kW | 18 panels | $22,000–$26,000 | — | — |
| 10 kW | 25 panels | $28,000–$35,000 | — | — |
| 13 kW | 33 panels | $36,000–$45,000 | — | — |
* Calculator estimates use $/W pricing. Actual installer prices vary by region, roof complexity, and equipment. Always get multiple quotes.
Click your state to see current incentives on top of the 30% federal credit
⚡ See your solar savings — takes 60 seconds
You're seconds away from knowing how much you could save by going solar. It's free and takes under 60 seconds.
Get state-specific solar cost, incentives, and payback estimates for your state.