Going solar is one of the biggest financial decisions a homeowner can make. This calculator helps you understand your return on investment by factoring in your system size, total cost, local sun exposure, and current electricity rate. Enter your details below — we'll auto-detect your state defaults where possible.
Residential Calculator
Your System Details
Local defaults are pre-filled when your location is detected.
🌍 Environmental Impact
You'll offset 0 kg of CO₂ annually.
Equivalent to planting 0 trees every year.
Source: EPA 2026 Greenhouse Gas EquivalenciesAbout This Calculator
This residential solar ROI calculator estimates your return on investment based on your system size, installation cost, local sun exposure, and electricity rate. Annual energy production is calculated using the formula: System kW × Sun Hours × 365 × 0.75, where 0.75 accounts for typical real-world system efficiency losses.
Data sources: Electricity rates are sourced from the EIA Electric Power Monthly (March 2026). Peak sun hours are based on the NREL National Solar Radiation Database (NSRDB). CO₂ offset factors use EPA 2026 Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies.
Federal tax credit notice: The 30% residential solar tax credit (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (P.L. 119-21). This calculator shows pre-incentive costs. Many states offer their own credits, rebates, and net metering programs — check your state's programs to understand your true out-of-pocket cost.
Disclaimer: Results are estimates only. Actual savings depend on shading, equipment quality, utility net metering policies, and maintenance costs. Consult a licensed solar installer for a precise quote.
For more resources, visit our Residential Articles or browse Frequently Asked Questions.