Solar Savings Calculator
Estimate your solar costs, savings, and payback period based on your location and electricity usage.
Your Details
Your Solar Estimate
How Our Solar Calculator Works
Our solar savings calculator provides personalized estimates based on your state's average solar irradiance (peak sun hours), local electricity rates from EIA data, and current solar installation costs per watt. Here's what each input means and how we calculate your results.
Monthly Electricity Bill: Your current monthly electric bill tells us how much energy you consume. We divide your annual electricity spend by your state's average rate per kWh to determine your annual energy consumption in kilowatt-hours. This is the baseline we use to size your solar system.
Roof Size: The available roof space determines the maximum system size you can install. A general rule of thumb is that you need approximately 100 square feet of roof space per kilowatt of solar capacity. We cap the recommended system size based on your available roof area.
System Sizing: We calculate the optimal system size by dividing your annual energy consumption by the expected annual production per kW in your state (peak sun hours × 365 days). This gives you a system that offsets most or all of your electricity usage.
Cost Calculation: Total cost is calculated by multiplying the system size (in watts) by the average cost per watt in your state. The 30% Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is applied to reduce your net cost. Additional state incentives may further reduce your actual out-of-pocket expense.
Savings Estimate: Annual savings are based on the energy your system produces multiplied by your local electricity rate. The 25-year savings figure accounts for the net system cost and assumes consistent electricity rates (actual savings may be higher as rates typically increase 2-3% per year).
Important Notes: This calculator provides estimates based on state averages. Your actual solar production, costs, and savings will vary based on your specific roof orientation, shading, local installer pricing, chosen equipment, and financing terms. We recommend getting at least 3 quotes from licensed solar installers for accurate, personalized proposals.