Solar Panel Savings Calculator
Calculate your installation cost, tax credits, and long-term savings
Your Solar Details
Your current monthly electricity cost
Average home: 6-8 kW • Larger homes: 10-12 kW
☀️ Avg Peak Sunlight: 5.5 hours/day
Automatically set based on your state
🌍 Environmental Impact
6.4
tons CO₂ offset annually
106
trees planted equivalent
9.0k
kWh produced annually
Cost & Savings Analysis
System Cost (Before Incentives)
$18,000
6 kW × $3.00/watt
Federal Tax Credit (30%)
-$5,400
CA State Incentive
-$1,000
Net System Cost
$11,600
After $6,400 in incentives
Monthly Savings
$105
~$1265/year
Payback Period
9.2 years
Break even after 10 years
25-Year Total Savings
$20,018.125
Net profit after system cost
Important Factors to Consider
✅ Benefits
- • 30% Federal Tax Credit through 2032
- • Potential state/local incentives
- • Protection against rising electricity rates
- • Increases home value ($15k-$20k avg)
- • Environmental benefits
- • 25-year panel warranties
⚠️ Considerations
- • Roof must be in good condition
- • South-facing roof ideal for max production
- • Shading reduces efficiency
- • Upfront investment required (or financing)
- • Net metering policies vary by state
- • System maintenance (minimal but needed)
Connect with vetted solar installers in your area
Next Step
Turn projected solar savings into installer quotes
Use this cost-and-payback snapshot to compare installer proposals, verify incentive assumptions, and pressure-test your real break-even timeline.