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
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Your Solar Analysis
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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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