Solar Panel ROI Calculator
Calculate the payback period and lifetime savings of installing solar panels, accounting for system cost, electric rate, and federal tax credit.
Inputs
Sunny SW: 1500-1700. Northeast: 1100-1300.
Payback period
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Net system cost
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Year 1 savings
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25-year net savings
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Lifetime ROI
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About Solar Panel ROI Calculator
Typical payback
Sunny states with high electric rates (CA, MA, NJ, NY): 6-9 years. Cloudy / cheap-electric states: 12-15 years. Add 1-3 years if you finance instead of pay cash.
Federal ITC
The federal Investment Tax Credit is 30% for systems installed 2022-2032, then steps down. State and utility incentives can stack on top, often bringing net cost to 50-65% of gross.
Panel lifespan
Most panels have 25-year linear performance warranties (85% output at year 25). Inverters typically need replacement at year 10-15. Real-world systems often produce 30+ years.