Cost & Permit Tool

DIY Solar Cost & Permit Complexity Estimator

See your real DIY solar costs — including permits and interconnection — and compare against professional installation quotes.

Your Details

kW

Enter your ZIP code and system size above, then click "Estimate My Costs" to see your permit complexity and full cost breakdown.

Disclaimer: Estimates are based on national averages and state-level permit complexity models. Actual costs vary by municipality. Permit data from NREL and DSIRE models. Verify with your local AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) before purchasing equipment.

For detailed incentive and policy information by state, visit the DSIRE Database.

Written & reviewed by

Jeremy Wolfe — Senior Solar Energy Analyst

Jeremy Wolfe is a solar energy analyst specializing in residential photovoltaic economics, federal and state incentive policy, and return-on-investment modeling for homeowners. He leads EnergyTools' solar research program and methodology.

  • 10+ years analyzing residential solar economics and payback modeling
  • Lead researcher for EnergyTools' 50-state solar cost-per-watt database
  • Author of 100+ solar ROI, payback, and incentive analyses

Methodology & data sources:NREL PVWatts, EPA FuelEconomy.gov, state utility commissions— updated 2026.