See Your 2026 Solar Payback Estimate
Answer a few questions to estimate your system size, cost, and 25-year savings.
How This Solar Payback Calculator Works
This tool estimates a recommended system size from your average monthly electric bill, then models your gross installation cost, any applicable federal tax credit, and your net cost after incentives. It then compares 25 years of projected utility bills — compounding at your selected inflation rate — against your one-time solar investment to estimate a payback period and total lifetime savings.
A note on the federal tax credit: the 30% federal residential solar tax credit (Section 25D) expired for customer-owned systems placed in service after December 31, 2025. This calculator reflects that change by default. Commercial projects may still qualify for a 30% credit under Section 48E — see our commercial solar calculator. If you lease your system or sign a power purchase agreement (PPA), the system owner may still claim a credit and pass some savings to you through a lower rate — always ask any installer to disclose this in writing.
Results are estimates for planning purposes only and are not a quote. Actual system size, pricing, and savings depend on your roof, local permitting, utility interconnection rules, and installer pricing. Get a written quote from a licensed local installer before making any purchase decision.