Solar Payback Calculator (Embed)

By Meraj Uddin Provat · Last reviewed May 23, 2026 · Editorial Standards

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
Get free solar quotes from local installers

Estimates only. Real solar quotes depend on your roof, shading, local installer pricing and utility net-metering policy. The 30% federal Residential Clean Energy Credit (Section 25D) ended for systems placed in service after December 31, 2025, so no federal credit is applied. A lease or PPA may still capture it through the installer under Section 48E for systems placed in service by the end of 2027. Not financial advice.

Cumulative savings vs. system cost

When the green line crosses the dashed cost line, you've broken even.

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