Calculator

Enter your home's energy usage and solar system details below. We'll apply the federal 30% tax credit automatically and show you your net cost, estimated production, payback period, and 25-year lifetime savings.

Inputs

For Solar Panels

Monthly Energy Consumption (kWh)

Find this on your electricity bill. US average is ~900 kWh/month.

Utility Rate ($/kWh)

US average is ~$0.16/kWh. Check your bill for your exact rate.

Solar Panel System Size (kW)

Typical home system: 6–10 kW.

Panel Cost ($/W)

Industry average is ~$2.75–$3.50/W installed.

Panel Efficiency (%)

Most modern panels are 18–22% efficient.

Additional Installation Cost ($)

Labour, mounting, wiring beyond panel cost. Leave 0 if included above.

Additional Rebates & Incentives ($)

State/utility rebates beyond the federal credit. The 30% federal credit is applied automatically.

Results

Your Solar Estimate

Net Upfront Cost

After 30% federal credit and any additional rebates.

Estimated Energy Production

Estimated monthly kWh generated by your system.

Payback Period

Years until the system pays for itself.

25-Year Lifetime Savings

Total electricity savings over the panel's lifespan.

Results are estimates based on US average peak sun hours (4.5 hrs/day). Actual savings depend on your location, roof orientation, and local utility rates. Consult a certified installer for a precise quote.

How It Works

Net Upfront Cost

(Panel $/W × System kW × 1,000) + Install Cost − 30% Federal Credit − Additional Rebates

Monthly Energy Production

System kW × (Efficiency ÷ 100) × 4.5 peak sun hours × 30 days

Payback Period

Net Upfront Cost ÷ Monthly Savings (where Monthly Savings = Monthly Production × Utility Rate)

25-Year Lifetime Savings

Monthly Savings × 12 months × 25 years