Solar Savings Calculator 2026 — Post-Tax-Credit Math

Your city

Average monthly electric bill

$280

System type

Recommended system

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Estimated cost

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Year-1 savings

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at current utility rates

Payback

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Estimated 25-year net savings

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after system cost · assumes 3%/yr utility rate escalation

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Estimates only — based on 2026 market averages for your selected city and typical usage patterns. No federal tax credit is included (expired Dec 31, 2025). Battery pricing modeled at $12,500 installed. Actual quotes vary by roof, shading, and equipment.

About this calculator

How is my savings estimate calculated?

How is my solar savings estimate calculated?+

Estimates scale from real 2026 market averages for your selected city: installed cost per watt, average system size relative to your monthly bill, and current utility rates. Solar-only savings are modeled at roughly 70% of solar-plus-battery savings under NEM 3.0, where exported power earns only $0.05–$0.08/kWh. No expired incentives are included — the federal 30% credit ended December 31, 2025.

Does the calculator include the federal solar tax credit?+

No, because it no longer exists for homeowners. The 30% residential credit (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025. Estimates reflect full cash cost, minus battery rebates where you qualify (such as SDCP's up-to-$6,750 program in SDG&E territory).

Why does adding a battery change my payback so much?+

Under NEM 3.0 in California, power you export earns $0.05–$0.08/kWh but peak grid power costs $0.55–$0.70/kWh. A battery shifts your solar to evening peak hours, capturing retail value. In SDG&E territory, SDCP battery rebates offset up to $6,750 of the battery's cost.

Ready for real quotes?

Your estimate is a starting point — quotes from installers vetted on 14 signals make it real. Free, no pressure.

Step 1 of 3

What's your average monthly SDG&E bill?