Free Solar Panel Cost & Savings Calculator

Independent estimates for US homeowners — no email, no phone, no sales calls. Just the numbers.

🔒 Zero data collection 📊 NREL PVWatts v8 📅 2026 data 🗺️ All 50 states ✅ Free forever
Step 1 — Your Home

Tell us about your electricity usage

Enter your average monthly bill and state. We'll estimate the right system size, total cost, and how much you'll save.

▼ Advanced options roof direction · system losses · panel wattage

How This Solar Calculator Works

Our calculator uses the same methodology as NREL PVWatts v8, the US Department of Energy's official solar production model. All data is from authoritative government and industry sources:

Sources: NREL PVWatts v8 (nrel.gov/pvwatts) · EIA Electric Power Monthly (eia.gov) · SEIA Solar Market Insight Q1 2026 · IRS Section 25D

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this calculator really free? Will I get sales calls?

Yes, completely free. No — zero sales calls. We never ask for or store your email, phone number, or any personal information. All calculations run locally in your browser. There is no "submit" button that sends your data anywhere.

How accurate is the estimate?

For a standard south-facing roof with no significant shading, our estimate is within ±10% of a professional installer quote. Actual costs vary with roof complexity, local permit fees, installer competition, and whether you need an electrical panel upgrade.

How does the 30% federal tax credit work?

The Investment Tax Credit (ITC) lets you deduct 30% of your total solar installation cost from your federal income taxes. Example: $20,000 system → $6,000 tax credit → $14,000 net cost. There's no maximum limit. If your tax liability is less than the credit in one year, the remainder carries forward to future years. The 30% rate is locked through 2032.

Does this include battery storage?

Not yet — switch to the Battery tab to learn more. Battery storage typically adds $8,000–$15,000 but can significantly improve ROI in states with low solar export rates (like California under NEM 3.0). The 30% ITC also applies to battery storage when paired with solar.

Why do I need multiple installer quotes?

Solar installation prices can vary by $5,000+ for identical systems in the same zip code. Getting 3+ quotes is the single most effective way to avoid overpaying. Independent marketplaces like EnergySage let you compare without sharing your phone number.