This model starts with $0 federal homeowner solar credit for property placed in service after December 31, 2025. Add only state, utility, local, or tax incentives you have verified from official program sources.
Baseline assumes no federal homeowner solar credit. Use it to pressure-test quotes before any local incentives are approved.
Treat this as the upside case only after checking DSIRE, your utility, state program pages, and any tax documentation with a qualified advisor.
25-year cashflow curve
Bars reflect rate escalation and panel degradation. These assumptions change the long-term cashflow, while simple payback stays tied to Year 1 savings.
Show payback formula
Annual production = system size x production per kW. Year 1 savings = annual production x electric rate. Baseline net cost assumes no federal homeowner solar credit after December 31, 2025. Verified net cost subtracts only state, utility, local, or tax incentives you have confirmed from official sources.
Search intent
solar payback calculator 2026
ROI comparison for solar shoppers.
Use this when
- Estimate simple payback from system cost and annual savings without assuming the expired federal homeowner solar credit.
- Compare the baseline against a second scenario after verified state, utility, or local incentives.
- Stress-test quotes when financing, export rates, or utility bill growth change the result.
- Decide whether solar should come before battery storage, EV charging, or roof work.
Estimate model
What this calculator uses
- Installed system cost, verified non-federal incentives, and annual bill savings
- A 2026 baseline net cost that does not subtract the expired Residential Clean Energy Credit
- Side-by-side simple payback before financing, roof work, storage, or rate escalation
Quote readiness
Checks before you call a contractor
- Ask for annual production, utility rate, export-rate, and degradation assumptions.
- Separate roof work, batteries, dealer fees, and financing cost from the solar equipment price.
- Check official federal, state, utility, and DSIRE sources before treating incentives as guaranteed.
Official verification
Sources to check before budget decisions
For 2026 solar payback, verify current federal credit status and local program rules before changing the project budget.