EnergyTools

Urgent tax credit deadlines

  • Section 48E phase-out completes December 31, 2027 — projects must be placed in service by then (515 days left).
See the full deadline tracker

Data verified June 2026 — see our tax credit accuracy standards.

Flagship Tool

Solar ROI Calculator

Calculate your return on investment for a solar panel system based on your location, energy usage, and system configuration.

Configure Your System

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Did you know? Non-compliant solar panels (non-AVL/DomCon) are available from $0.37/W — significantly cheaper than compliant panels ($0.60–$0.80/W). The 30% residential federal solar tax credit (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025, so an owned residential system installed in 2026 receives $0 in federal credit regardless of panel choice; non-compliant panels additionally disqualify the Section 48E credit (lease/PPA/commercial) and IRA bonus credits (10% domestic content + 10% energy community). This calculator assumes compliant panels.See current ITC status →

Enter your ZIP code and monthly bill above to see your personalized solar savings projection — instantly.

Estimates are based on national averages and should be used for planning purposes only. Actual savings will vary based on local electricity rates, weather patterns, shading, and installation factors. Note: The federal solar tax credit was eliminated January 1, 2026. State incentives may still be available.

These projections use ZIP-level averages. Get production and savings for your exact roof.

Analyze your actual roof with satellite data

📖 Learn More About Solar ROI

📘
Complete Guide to Solar ROI in 2026
Payback periods, state comparisons, the ITC impact, and 5 ways to maximize returns
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Solar Payback Period by State
All 50 states ranked by payback period — see how your state compares
🏦
Solar Financing and ROI
Cash vs loans vs leases vs PPAs — how each affects your long-term returns
⚡
How NEM 3.0 Changes Solar ROI
Why California's net metering changes doubled payback periods
⏰
NEM Grandfathering Impact Calculator
Already have solar? Find out when your net metering benefits expire and how much you'll lose
🏠
Solar ROI vs Other Home Improvements
Kitchen remodel vs solar — which home improvement pays off best?

See how your state compares nationally. Installed cost-per-watt and local incentives swing payback by up to 2x across the U.S.

Open the 2026 Solar Guide →

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System Size Calculator

Right-size your solar array for maximum savings

Financing Comparison

Compare loan, lease, PPA, and cash options

Incentive Finder

Find federal, state, and local solar incentives

Battery Payback Calculator

When does adding storage pay off?

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.