Free Solar Panel Cost Calculator 2026
Enter your ZIP code and monthly electric bill to get an instant estimate for solar installation cost, monthly savings, and 30-year ROI. Free — no signup required.
Get a Free Solar Cost Estimate Online
Solar Cost Predictor is a free solar cost calculator and solar panel cost estimator built for US homeowners who want a real number before talking to an installer. Enter your ZIP code and average monthly electric bill for an instant estimate of system size, installation cost, the 30% federal tax credit, monthly savings, and payback period — no signup required.
Your state's real electricity rate and sun hours change how big a system you need, while your roof type and battery choice adjust installation cost — so every estimate is personalized, not a national average.
How Our Solar Cost Calculator Estimates Your Price
Enter Your Electric Bill
Your average monthly bill determines your solar system size and savings potential.
Enter Your ZIP Code
We use real NREL PVWatts sunlight data for your exact location and EIA electricity rates by state.
Get Your Free Estimate
See personalized installation cost, 30% federal tax credit, monthly savings, and 25-year ROI.
Solar Cost Guides & Resources
Expert articles to help you understand solar pricing, incentives, and financing options.
- How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in 2026?
- Solar Financing Options: Loans, Leases, and PPAs Explained
- How Much Can Solar Panels Save You? Real Numbers by State
- The 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit: Complete 2026 Guide
- The Solar Installation Process: Step-by-Step Timeline
- How Do Solar Panels Work? A Simple Guide for Homeowners
Average Solar Costs (2026)
Nationally, solar installation runs a flat $2.80 per watt. Here's what that looks like across common system sizes, before and after the 30% federal tax credit.
| System Size | Before Credit | Net After 30% ITC | Typical For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 kW (10 panels) | $10,080–$12,320 | $7,056–$8,624 | Minimum system size — small homes or high electricity rates |
| 6 kW (15 panels) | $15,120–$18,480 | $10,584–$12,936 | Typical for an average single-family home |
| 8 kW (20 panels) | $20,160–$24,640 | $14,112–$17,248 | Larger homes or higher usage |
| 10 kW (25 panels) | $25,200–$30,800 | $17,640–$21,560 | High-usage homes, pools, EV charging |
| 15 kW (38 panels) | $37,800–$46,200 | $26,460–$32,340 | Very high usage or multi-family |
| 20 kW (50 panels) | $50,400–$61,600 | $35,280–$43,120 | Maximum system size we quote |
Key Solar Pricing Factors
Two homes with identical electric bills can get very different solar quotes. Here's what actually moves the number.
What Affects Your Solar Price, by Factor
A Tesla Powerwall for outage protection adds $11,500 (one) or $23,000 (two).
See pricing →Electricity rates and sun hours vary widely by state, changing your system size and payback period.
Your monthly bill determines your usage, the starting point for every other calculation.
Key Features for Businesses
Solar installers can grow their pipeline with Solar Cost Predictor in two ways — get exclusive local leads, or put our calculator on your own site.
Exclusive, one-installer-per-city placement on every solar estimate result — $350/month per city.
Become a Partner →Embed the branded calculator on your own installer website — $159/month after a 7-day free trial.
Embed the Calculator →Homeowners get an instant estimate with no account or contact info required — reducing friction and increasing lead quality.
Try the Calculator →Frequently Asked Questions
How much do solar panels cost in 2026?
The average residential solar system costs $18,000–$25,000 before incentives. After the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit, most homeowners pay $12,600–$17,500 net.
How much can solar save me per month?
The average homeowner saves roughly $1,300–$1,800 in the first year with solar on a system sized to a $150/month bill. Because utility rates tend to rise over time (our calculator assumes 4%/year), those savings compound — over 30 years that adds up to roughly $74,000–$101,000.
What is the 30% federal solar tax credit?
The Investment Tax Credit (ITC) lets you deduct 30% of your solar installation cost from federal income taxes. On a $20,000 system, you get a $6,000 credit. Available through 2032.
How long does solar take to pay off?
Payback varies widely by state — as fast as 5–6 years in high-electricity-rate states like California and Hawaii, up to 12–14 years in low-rate states like Washington. Most homeowners fall around 7–10 years. After payback, solar electricity is essentially free for the remaining panel warranty period.
How accurate is this solar calculator?
Our estimates are 80–90% accurate vs. real installer quotes, using NREL PVWatts real irradiance data for your ZIP code and a current market installation rate of $2.80/watt all-in.