See How Much Solar Could Save You
Enter a few details about your home and electricity bill to get an estimated solar system size, monthly savings, annual savings, payback period, long-term savings and potential incentive value.
Start Your Solar Savings Estimate
The more accurate your information, the more useful your estimate will be. You can change advanced assumptions if you already have a solar quote.
Advanced assumptions — optional
Your Estimated Solar Savings
Based on the information you provided.
Your Electricity Cost vs. Solar
☀️ Solar System Estimate
- Estimated annual usage —
- Estimated solar production —
- Estimated offset —
- Estimated system size —
- Battery included —
💰 Financial Estimate
- Estimated gross system cost —
- Estimated incentives —
- Estimated net cost —
- Estimated first-year savings —
- Simple payback —
📍 About Incentives
Incentive estimates are informational only. Actual programs, eligibility, amounts, income requirements, utility rules and deadlines vary by location and may change.
How Much Can Solar Panels Save in 2026?
The amount a homeowner can save with solar depends on several factors, including electricity usage, utility rates, available sunlight, system size, equipment costs and local incentives. Our solar savings calculator uses the information you provide to create an illustrative estimate of potential electricity savings and solar payback.
A homeowner with a high electricity bill may have a larger opportunity to reduce annual electricity costs than someone with a very low bill. However, the best solar system is not necessarily the largest system. System sizing should account for actual electricity consumption, available roof space, shading, local solar production and utility rules.
How Our Solar Savings Calculator Works
1. Enter Your ZIP Code and State
Location matters because electricity prices, solar production, utility policies and incentives vary throughout the United States. Entering your ZIP code and state helps provide more relevant context for the estimate.
2. Enter Your Monthly Electricity Bill
Your electricity bill provides a useful starting point for estimating annual energy costs. If you know your monthly electricity consumption in kilowatt-hours, you can also enter that number for a more customized estimate.
3. Review the Estimated Solar System Size
The calculator estimates the solar capacity that could potentially offset a portion of your annual electricity usage. Actual system sizing should always be confirmed through a professional site assessment.
4. Review Savings and Payback
The results show estimated annual savings, system cost, potential incentives and a simple payback period. Payback is an estimate of how long it could take cumulative energy savings to equal the estimated net system cost.
Solar Savings Calculator by State
Solar economics can differ significantly between states. Electricity prices, sunlight, utility programs, renewable energy incentives and local regulations can all affect the potential value of a solar installation.
Solar Payback vs. Long-Term Savings
Payback period is only one way to evaluate a solar investment. A system can continue producing electricity after the initial investment has been recovered. Long-term savings can therefore be substantially different from the simple payback calculation.
Electricity prices can also change over time. For that reason, this calculator allows users to adjust the assumed annual electricity price increase in the advanced settings.
Solar Tax Credits and Energy Incentives
Incentives can have a significant effect on the economics of a solar installation. However, eligibility is not automatic and programs can change. Homeowners should review the applicable requirements before making a purchase.
Learn more with our Solar Tax Credit 2026 guide, use the Solar Tax Credit Calculator, and explore Federal Solar Rebates.
Other Rebate Radar Solar Tools
☀️ Solar & Home Energy Products
If you’re researching solar or backup power, these types of products may be useful for improving home energy resilience and efficiency.
Portable backup power can provide additional resilience during outages and can complement a broader home energy strategy.
Check availability on Amazon →Smart thermostats can help homeowners manage heating and cooling schedules and potentially reduce unnecessary energy use.
View on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, Rebate Radar may earn from qualifying purchases. Product availability and pricing may change.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Savings
Is a solar savings calculator accurate?
A calculator can provide a useful preliminary estimate, but it cannot replace a professional solar proposal. Actual results depend on the home’s roof, shading, orientation, equipment, utility rate structure, financing and local solar conditions.
How much can solar panels save per month?
Monthly savings vary considerably by household. Homes with higher electricity consumption and higher electricity rates may have greater potential savings, while local solar production and utility policies can also affect the result.
Does a ZIP code determine my solar savings?
A ZIP code does not determine savings by itself. It provides geographic context that can help identify differences in electricity prices, sunlight, utility territory and available programs.
Can solar savings calculators include tax credits?
Some calculators can include an incentive assumption. However, eligibility for a tax credit or rebate depends on the applicable rules, the equipment, installation requirements and other factors. Always verify current requirements before relying on an incentive in a purchasing decision.
How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?
The answer depends on system cost, electricity savings, incentives, financing and utility rates. The calculator provides a simple illustrative payback estimate based on the assumptions entered.