About SolarPayback

SolarPayback was built with one goal: to give homeowners honest, transparent information about whether solar panels are a good investment for their home.

We're not a solar installation company and we don't sell solar panels. SolarPayback is free to use and is supported by display advertising and referral fees when we connect homeowners with solar installers. This never influences our calculations — our numbers are based solely on publicly available data on electricity rates, sun hours, and state incentives.

Why 2026 is Different

The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for residential solar expired at the end of 2024. That means homeowners installing solar in 2026 can no longer claim the 30% federal tax credit that made solar a no-brainer for many. Our calculators reflect this new reality.

Without the federal credit, solar still makes financial sense in many states — but not all. That's exactly what our tools help you figure out.

How Our Calculators Work

Each calculator uses straightforward math based on:

• State electricity rates — average $/kWh for your state
• Peak sun hours — how much usable sunlight your area gets daily
• Current installation costs — at ~$2.75/watt nationally
• State-specific incentives — rebates and credits still available
• Panel degradation — the small annual loss in panel efficiency (0.5%/year)

Our Mission

We believe every homeowner deserves access to clear, unbiased solar information. Whether solar makes sense for you or not, we want you to know the real numbers before talking to any installer.