Solar Calculator by State
Select your state below to find solar-specific electricity rates, incentives, average system costs, and estimated payback periods.
All 50 States + Washington D.C.
Every state has a different solar profile. Some states like California and Arizona enjoy abundant sunshine and strong net-metering policies, while others like Washington and Oregon rely more on lower electricity rates and state rebates to make solar attractive. Use our free calculators above to get personalized estimates for your specific location.
Select your state below for personalized solar savings calculations, local electricity rates, and state-specific incentives.
What Affects Solar Savings By State?
- Sunlight Exposure (Solar Irradiance) — Southwestern states receive 6–7+ peak sun-hours per day, while northern states may get 3–4. More sun means more electricity per panel.
- Electricity Rates — States with high utility rates (Hawaii, California, Massachusetts, New England) see faster payback because each kWh of solar production offsets expensive grid power.
- State Incentives — Many states offer additional rebates, tax credits, property tax exemptions, or sales tax waivers on top of the federal 30% ITC.
- Net Metering Policies — Some states offer full retail-rate net metering; others have reduced compensation or switched to buy-all/sell-all models.
- Installation Costs — Labor rates, permitting fees, and market competition vary widely by region, affecting total installed cost per watt.
Top States for Solar ROI (2026)
- Massachusetts — High electricity rates ($0.30+/kWh) plus SREC income drive sub-5-year payback in many cases.
- California — Abundant sun, NEM 3.0 with battery storage add-on makes solar+battery compelling despite reduced net metering.
- Hawaii — Highest U.S. electricity rates make solar nearly essential; self-consumption focus with batteries.
- New Jersey — Strong SREC market combined with good sunlight and high grid rates.
- Arizona — Excellent solar resource (6.5 peak sun-hours), competitive install costs, and good utility policies.
- Texas — ERCOT grid with high summer demand, no state income tax, and abundant sun in west/central regions.
- New York — NY-Sun incentive program on top of 30% ITC, high Con Edison rates in NYC area.
- Colorado — Strong sunshine, progressive utility programs, and growing adoption rates.
Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC)
Regardless of state, every U.S. homeowner who installs a residential solar PV system qualifies for the Investment Tax Credit (ITC):
- 30% credit of total system cost (panels, inverters, mounting, labor, permits) — through 2032
- 26% credit in 2033
- 22% credit in 2034
- Credits expire for residential systems after 2034 unless extended by Congress
Example: A $20,000 solar system installed in 2026 yields a $6,000 federal tax credit, reducing effective cost to $14,000 before state incentives.