What Does Solar Actually Cost in Your State?

Get a free, unbiased estimate of your system size, price after the 30% federal tax credit, and payback period — in under a minute. No installer owns this tool.

100% Free No Obligation Neutral & Unbiased Real State Data

Estimate your solar cost

Answer 4 quick questions. We use your state's real electricity rates and sunlight data.

Please select your state.
Estimated net cost to go solar
$—
Includes an estimated $— federal solar tax credit (30% of system cost, available through 2032).
System size
kW
Gross cost (before credit)
$—
Est. annual savings
$—
Payback period
yrs
Estimated 25-year net savings
$—

These figures are estimates based on average installed prices (~$3.00/watt before incentives), your state's average residential electricity rate, and local sunlight data. Actual quotes depend on your roof, equipment, and installer. Solar Cost Advisor does not install solar or sell equipment.

Get exact quotes from vetted local installers

Compare real, itemized quotes from up to 4 pre-screened solar companies near you. Free, and there's no obligation to buy.

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You're all set!

Thanks — your request is in. Vetted local installers will reach out shortly with personalized quotes.

How it works

Three simple steps from curiosity to a clear, honest number.

1

Tell us about your home

Your state, electric bill, and roof — that's all we need to model your system.

2

See your real estimate

Get your system size, cost after the federal tax credit, savings, and payback instantly.

3

Compare local quotes

Optionally request itemized quotes from vetted installers — no pressure, no obligation.

Why homeowners trust us

Most "solar calculators" are run by companies trying to sell you panels. This one isn't.

We're not an installer

We don't sell panels or have a brand to push. Our only job is to give you an honest number.

Built on real data

We use state-level electricity rates and local sunlight hours — not a one-size-fits-all guess.

One minute, zero pressure

See your estimate without giving up your info. Only share contact details if you want quotes.

Solar cost questions, answered

For a typical U.S. home, solar systems run about $2.50–$3.50 per watt before incentives, or roughly $18,000–$26,000 for an average 7–9 kW system. After the 30% federal tax credit, most homeowners pay around $13,000–$18,000. Your exact cost depends on your electricity usage, roof, and state — which is what the calculator above estimates for you.
Yes. The federal Residential Clean Energy Credit lets you deduct 30% of your total system cost from your federal taxes, and it's scheduled to remain at 30% through 2032 before stepping down. It applies to equipment and installation for systems you own (cash or loan, not lease). This is general information, not tax advice — confirm eligibility with a tax professional.
Most homeowners reach payback in 7–12 years, after which the electricity is essentially free for the remaining 10–18+ years of the system's life. Payback is fastest in states with high electricity rates and strong sun. The calculator above estimates your specific payback period.
Completely free, with no obligation. You can see your full estimate without entering any contact information. If you'd like real quotes, you can optionally request them from vetted local installers.
No. We only share your details with vetted solar providers when you explicitly request quotes and provide consent. We never sell your information publicly. See our Privacy Policy for full details.

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