The case for solar — in one number
$1,400
The average US homeowner saves per year after going solar
Source: EnergySage Market Data Report, Q4 2025 · Based on median system, national average electricity rate

The data-driven guide to going solar in America

State incentives have never been more complex. Federal credits, utility rebates, net metering rules that differ street to street — and a solar industry that profits from your confusion. This site exists to cut through that. Independent data, no installer relationships, no paid placements.

Explore your state → Cost calculator
Data from DSIRE · EnergySage · SEIA · US EIA  ·  Updated weekly  ·  Research by Dana Mercer
30% Federal Investment Tax Credit — deducted from your tax bill, not just income IRA 2022 · Available through Dec 2032
50 States with at least one solar incentive program beyond the federal ITC DSIRE database, March 2026
7–12 yrs Typical payback period — varies significantly by state electricity rate and incentives EnergySage, national range
$3.00/W National avg install cost · Q1 2026
179 GW US installed solar capacity · SEIA 2025
4.3M US homes with solar panels installed
27¢/kWh California avg electricity rate (highest in continental US)
+$48K Median 25-year ROI on a CA solar install
State comparison
Top solar states — key metrics at a glance
Last updated: March 2026 · Source: EnergySage, DSIRE, EIA
All 50 states →
Rank State Avg install cost Electricity rate Peak sun hrs Typical payback Key incentive beyond ITC Net metering
1 California $3.00/W 27¢/kWh 5.8 hrs 7–9 yrs SGIP battery rebate · Property tax exempt NEM 3.0
2 Texas $2.78/W 13.5¢/kWh 5.4 hrs 9–12 yrs Property tax exempt · Austin/SA utility rebates None statewide
3 Florida $2.75/W 14.2¢/kWh 5.5 hrs 8–11 yrs Property tax exempt · Sales tax exempt Full retail
4 New York $3.11/W 21¢/kWh 4.4 hrs 7–10 yrs 25% state tax credit (max $5k) · NY-Sun rebate Full retail
5 Arizona $2.81/W 13.8¢/kWh 6.0 hrs 8–11 yrs 25% state tax credit (max $1k) · Sales tax exempt Full retail
6 Massachusetts $3.10/W 26¢/kWh 4.5 hrs 7–9 yrs SMART Program incentive · 15% state tax credit (max $1k) Full retail
7 Nevada $2.79/W 12.5¢/kWh 6.2 hrs 9–12 yrs Property tax exempt · Sales tax exempt Reduced (NVE)
8 North Carolina $2.84/W 13.8¢/kWh 5.1 hrs 9–12 yrs Property tax exempt · Duke Energy rebate programs Full retail

ITC = Federal Investment Tax Credit (30%, available to all states). Net metering status as of March 2026. Payback assumes 30% ITC applied. Rates from EIA.

Find your state

Or browse all 50 states →

$7,500 Average federal tax credit on a standard 8kW install at $3.00/W 30% ITC · $25,000 gross system cost
43¢/kWh Hawaii's electricity rate — highest in the US, making solar ROI exceptional US EIA, 2025 · Hawaii avg payback: 5–7 years
Current programs
Latest solar incentives
Federal and state programs updated weekly. Deadlines, current status, and eligibility.
Last updated: March 15, 2026
Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
Deduct 30% of system cost from your federal income taxes. For new residential installations through Dec 2032, stepping to 26% in 2033.
30%
Active · All states Expires Dec 2032
California SGIP Battery Rebate
Self-Generation Incentive Program rebates for home battery storage. $150–$1,000/kWh depending on income tier. Critical post-NEM 3.0.
$150–$1k/kWh
Active · CA only Budget-limited
New York State Solar Tax Credit
25% state income tax credit on solar installation, up to $5,000. Stackable with federal ITC — can reduce net cost to below 50% of gross.
25% / $5k
Active · NY only Ongoing
Texas Property Tax Exemption
100% of the appraised value added by a solar installation is exempt from property taxes. No cap. Permanent in state law.
100% value
Active · TX only Permanent
Massachusetts SMART Program
Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target — fixed-rate incentive paid per kWh generated. Paid directly by utilities monthly for 10 years.
~$0.05–0.10/kWh
Limited capacity Block system
View all state incentive databases →
Tool

Solar cost calculator

Enter your home size, monthly electricity bill, and state. Get an independent estimate of system size, installed cost, payback period, and 25-year return. No email. No sales call. No upsell.

→ Estimated system size (kW)
→ Total installed cost before incentives
→ Net cost after 30% federal ITC
→ Year 1 electricity savings estimate
→ Years to break even (payback period)
→ 25-year return on investment
Open calculator →

Methodology: EnergySage cost/watt data · NREL irradiance · EIA electricity rates

Sample · California · 2,000 sq ft · $200/mo bill
System size 8.4 kW Estimated solar array
Gross cost $25,200 Before incentives
After 30% ITC $17,640 Federal credit applied
Annual savings $2,160 Year 1 estimate
Payback 8.2 yrs Under NEM 3.0
25-year ROI +$48,500 Estimated total return

Sample output. Your numbers will differ by state, utility, and equipment.

Reviewed products
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Independently reviewed portable and home solar products. Affiliate links fund this research — they do not influence ratings.
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Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Ratings based on independent testing and user review analysis.