Solar ROI Calculator

Calculate Your Solar Savings

Get accurate estimates for your solar system cost, savings, and ROI based on your location, utility rates, and energy usage.

NREL PVWatts Data
Real Utility Rates
30% Federal Tax Credit
Location-Specific Analysis

Enter Your Information

We use your ZIP code to determine local solar irradiance, utility rates, and incentives.

$

Enter your average monthly electricity bill from the past 12 months.

kWh/year

If known, enter your annual usage. We'll calculate from your bill if left blank.

Your Solar Analysis

Enter your information to see personalized savings estimates and ROI calculations.

Calculator Assumptions & Methodology

Financial Assumptions

  • Federal Tax Credit: 30% (through 2032)
  • System Cost: $3.00-$4.00 per watt installed
  • Utility Rate Escalation: 3% annually
  • Solar Degradation: 0.5% annually
  • System Lifetime: 25 years
  • Discount Rate: 6% (NPV calculation)

Technical Assumptions

  • Panel Efficiency: 20-22% (standard), 22-24% (premium)
  • System Efficiency: 85% (inverter + wiring losses)
  • Shading Loss: 5% assumed
  • System Size: 100% offset target
  • Inverter Replacement: Year 15 ($1,500)
  • O&M Costs: $150/year escalating

Data Sources

  • Solar Irradiance: NREL PVWatts Database
  • Utility Rates: EIA & OpenEI Database
  • System Costs: NREL & Wood Mackenzie
  • Incentives: DSIRE Database
  • Weather Data: NSRDB TMY3
  • Updated: Monthly

Important Disclaimer

These estimates are for educational purposes and should not be considered as professional financial or engineering advice. Actual costs, savings, and performance may vary based on specific site conditions, local regulations, utility policies, equipment selection, and installation quality. We recommend getting multiple quotes from certified solar installers for accurate, site-specific proposals. Tax incentives are subject to change and individual tax situations vary.

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