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Solar Panel Calculator
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Solar Panel Calculator
Personalised estimate based on your location & usage
How Our Solar Panel Calculator Works
No technical knowledge needed. Just enter your electricity bill and we do the rest.
Enter Your Details
Add your monthly electricity bill, location (ZIP or city), and a few quick preferences. Takes under 60 seconds.
We Run the Numbers
Our calculator uses live sun-hour data, local electricity rates, and 2026 incentive values to size your system and estimate all costs.
See Your Full Estimate
Get your system size, net cost after tax credits, monthly savings, payback period, and 25-year ROI — instantly and free.
Why Homeowners Trust Our Calculator
Not just another generic tool — built for real accuracy and real decisions.
Personalised to YOUR Home
Not a generic national average. We use your exact ZIP, roof orientation, and electricity rate for results that apply to you.
Updated for 2026
Includes the latest solar prices, the current 30% federal ITC, state rebates, and up-to-date electricity rates across all top-tier markets.
100% Free — Forever
No sign-up. No email. No paywalls. Enter your details and get your full solar estimate in under 2 minutes.
Privacy First
We never sell or share your data. Your ZIP and bill are used only to calculate your estimate — never stored.
Works Worldwide
Built for US (all 50 states), UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand with localised sun-hour data and incentives.
Trusted Data Sources
Our methodology is based on NREL and IEA solar irradiance datasets — the gold standard for solar estimation.
How Solar Panels Save You Money in 2026
Understanding the four ways solar cuts your electricity costs — and why 2026 is the best year yet to make the switch.
You Generate Your Own Power
Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity your home uses directly. Every kilowatt-hour (kWh) you generate is one you don't buy from the grid — at whatever your utility charges. With US rates averaging 16¢/kWh and rising 3–5% annually, that offset compounds powerfully over time.
Net Metering Earns You Credits
When your panels produce more electricity than your home needs — during peak sunshine hours — the surplus flows back to the grid. Your utility credits you for this exported energy, effectively running your meter backwards. In most US states, those credits offset nighttime and cloudy-day consumption dollar-for-dollar.
The 30% Federal Tax Credit Cuts Your Cost
The US federal Residential Clean Energy Credit (ITC) lets you deduct 30% of your total solar installation cost directly from your federal income tax bill — not just as a deduction, but as a dollar-for-dollar credit. On a $22,000 system, that's $6,600 back in your pocket. Available through 2032.
Your Home's Value Increases
Multiple studies — including research from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory — show that solar panels increase home resale value by an average of 3–4%, or roughly $15,000 on a median US home. Buyers pay a premium for properties with lower utility bills, making solar a double investment: savings now, equity later.
Your Solar Savings Journey — From Day One to Year 25
Here's what the typical US homeowner experiences after installing an 8kW solar system (net cost ~$15,400 after 30% ITC):
Solar Panel Costs & Savings by Location
Solar performance varies dramatically by where you live. Here's what real homeowners pay and save across top markets in 2026.
| State | Avg. System Cost (8kW, before ITC) | After 30% ITC | Avg. Monthly Savings | Payback Period | 25-Year Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ☀️ Arizona | $22,400 | $15,680 | $210/mo | 6.2 yrs | $78,000 |
| 🌴 California | $26,400 | $18,480 | $195/mo | 7.9 yrs | $68,000 |
| ☀️ Florida | $23,200 | $16,240 | $170/mo | 7.9 yrs | $58,000 |
| 🤠 Texas | $22,800 | $15,960 | $165/mo | 8.1 yrs | $55,000 |
| 🗽 New York | $28,000 | $19,600 | $180/mo | 9.1 yrs | $54,000 |
| 🌿 Massachusetts | $27,200 | $19,040 | $185/mo | 8.6 yrs | $56,000 |
| 🌞 Nevada | $21,600 | $15,120 | $190/mo | 6.6 yrs | $62,000 |
| 🏔️ Colorado | $23,600 | $16,520 | $155/mo | 8.9 yrs | $48,000 |
* Figures based on average 8kW system, typical roof orientation, and 2026 electricity rates. Use the calculator above for your exact location.
Solar installation cost depends on local labour rates, permit fees, utility net metering policies, and competition among installers. States with more solar companies — like California, Florida, and Texas — typically have more competitive pricing.
Australia combines high electricity rates (30¢+ AUD/kWh), abundant sunshine (5–6 peak sun hours/day), and generous government STC rebates that reduce the upfront cost by 30–40%. This creates one of the fastest solar payback periods in the world.
Your electricity rate. The higher you pay per kWh, the more valuable every solar kilowatt-hour becomes. Homeowners in Hawaii, California, and the UK — despite different sun hours — all see strong returns because their electricity is expensive.
Are Solar Panels Worth It in 2026? The Honest Answer
Based on industry research and real installer data, solar panels are financially worthwhile for the majority of homeowners in the US, UK, Australia, and Canada in 2026 — but only if the right conditions are met. Here's the complete, unbiased picture.
✅ Solar Is Almost Certainly Worth It If:
- Your monthly electricity bill exceeds $100 (US) / £60 (UK) / AUD $150 — higher bills mean higher savings potential and faster payback.
- You own your home and plan to stay for at least 7–10 years to capture the full payback period.
- Your roof faces south, southeast, or southwest with less than 30% shading from trees or neighbouring buildings.
- Your roof is under 15 years old (or will be replaced before installation) — you don't want to remove panels for a roof replacement mid-warranty.
- You qualify for the 30% federal ITC (US) or equivalent national incentive — this single credit can reduce your net cost by $5,000–$9,000.
- You're in a state or country with strong net metering — California, Arizona, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Australia, and Spain all offer excellent export rates.
⚠️ Solar May Not Be the Right Choice If:
- You rent your home, or plan to move within 3–5 years (though resale value increase can partially offset this).
- Your roof has heavy shading from large trees — even 20% shading can reduce output by up to 40%.
- Your electricity bill is consistently under $70/month — the payback period extends significantly at low usage levels.
- Your utility has eliminated or severely restricted net metering (check your local policy before committing).
- Your roof needs major repairs — always address structural issues before solar installation.
🏆 The 5 Factors That Determine Your Solar ROI
The single biggest driver of solar savings. Every cent/kWh above the national average makes solar significantly more valuable. California (28¢), Hawaii (42¢), and the UK (34p) all see exceptional returns.
Arizona gets 6.5 hours/day; London gets 2.8. More sun hours = more generation = lower cost per kWh produced. Our calculator uses location-specific sun data for accuracy.
The US 30% ITC, Australian STCs, UK zero-VAT, and state/regional rebates can reduce your net cost by 20–50%. Never calculate ROI without including all applicable incentives.
Installation costs vary by 30–50% between installers for the same system. Always get at least 3 quotes. Prioritise installers with strong local reviews and 25-year workmanship warranties.
Higher usage = larger required system = higher cost, but also higher savings. Adding an EV or heat pump makes solar even more valuable by increasing the energy you offset.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about solar panel calculators and going solar in 2026.
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