Solar Payback Calculator (by State)
Estimate your system size, total cost after incentives, and break-even year for residential solar.
Average across the year. Used to size the system.
Auto-filled from state average. Override with your real rate from your utility bill.
2024 national avg ~$2.85/W gross, before incentives. Quotes range $2.50-3.50.
US average ~2.8% over last 25 years. EIA forecasts ~3% through 2050.
Estimated payback period
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Select your state to get a precise estimate.
System size
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25-year savings
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Net cost after credits
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Year-1 savings
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Cost breakdown
| Net out-of-pocket | $0 |
Estimates only. Real solar quotes depend on your roof, shading, local installer pricing, utility net-metering policy, and your specific tax situation for the federal credit. Not financial advice.
Cumulative savings vs. system cost
When the green line crosses the dashed cost line, you’ve broken even.
Free calculator by CalcCottage