Solar Savings Calculator — How Much Will Solar Save You?
Calculate your exact annual solar savings based on your electricity bill, roof size and location. Includes 2026 federal 30% tax credit.
· Free · No signup required
Enter your details
$
Find this on your utility bill. US average is ~$135/month.
ft²
South-facing roof space only. Typical home: 800–2,000 sq ft.
5.0 hrs/day
Use the state selector → to load your local value. US avg: 4–6 hrs.
14¢/kWh
Check your utility bill or use the state selector. US avg: ~14¢.
Your estimated results
Annual savings
$1,820
per year at current rates
25-year net profit
$21,000
after recouping investment
System size
7.0 kW
System cost
$21,000
30% tax credit
$6,300
Net cost
$14,700
Payback period
8.1 yrs
Annual production
10,220 kWh
⚠️ These are estimates. Get 3+ quotes from local installers for exact pricing. Results assume 30% federal ITC, 0.5%/yr panel degradation, 80% system efficiency.
How to use this calculator
Enter your average monthly electricity bill in dollars.
Enter your usable roof area in square feet (south-facing roof is ideal).
Adjust the daily sun hours for your area (use our state selector on the right for accurate data).
Enter your local electricity rate in $/kWh (check your utility bill or use the state selector).
Your estimated annual savings, system cost and payback period appear instantly.
Understanding your results
Annual savings are calculated based on the electricity your system would produce at current rates. As electricity prices rise (historically ~3%/year), your savings increase each year.
System size is estimated from your roof area and electricity usage. A 1kW solar system typically needs about 100 sq ft of roof space.
30% Tax Credit is the 2026 federal ITC applied automatically. This is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in federal taxes owed — not a deduction.
25-year profit shows your net financial gain over the system’s warrantied lifespan, accounting for the upfront cost minus tax credits.
Frequently asked questions
Our calculator uses real average electricity rates and sun hours by state. For the most accurate estimate, enter your actual monthly bill and use the state selector to load local data. Results are typically within 10-15% of real installer quotes.
Yes. The 2026 federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is automatically included. It covers 30% of the total system cost and is applied as a credit against your federal income tax liability.
Most solar panels carry a 25-year performance warranty and often last 30+ years. Production degrades about 0.5% per year, so after 25 years your panels typically still produce around 87% of their original output.
Solar panels produce less power on cloudy days (typically 10-25% of peak output) and nothing at night. That's why the calculator uses an 80% efficiency factor. You'll draw from the grid at night, which is why net metering is important.
The national average payback period is 8-12 years, but this varies significantly by state. High-electricity states like California, Massachusetts and Hawaii often see payback in 5-7 years.