About & methodology

Solar Savings Calculator is a free tool that estimates whether solar makes sense for your home — system size, cost, the federal tax credit, and payback period. No sign-up and no email; the math runs in your browser, unlike the lead-capture forms most solar sites use.

How it works

• Monthly kWh = your bill ÷ your state's average electricity rate.
• System size (kW) is set so it produces your target share of that usage, given your state's average peak sun hours and a standard system derate.
• Cost = system watts × ~$3/W; the 30% federal tax credit (ITC) is subtracted for the net cost.
• Payback = net cost ÷ annual bill savings; 20-year savings add modest rate escalation.

The federal tax credit

The Residential Clean Energy Credit returns 30% of a solar system's cost as a federal tax credit through 2032. On a $20,000 system that's $6,000 off, bringing the net to $14,000. It is a credit against taxes owed, not a rebate — confirm your eligibility with a tax professional.

Important

These are planning estimates from state averages, not a quote or financial advice. Your roof, shading, real usage, utility rates, net metering, and installer pricing all change the outcome. Get local quotes.