By Chandrajit Manhare — Founder, Solar Power Simplified · Last Updated: July 12, 2026
Want a real number before any salesperson gets your phone number? This free calculator estimates your 2026 solar system size, installed cost, payback period, and 25-year savings from just your electric bill. It uses the same math I walk through in my solar cost guide — honest post-tax-credit numbers, no lead-gen tricks.
Solar Cost Calculator (2026)
System size, price & payback — live, as you type. No email required.
Estimates only — 2026 cash prices, no federal tax credit (it expired Dec 31, 2025). State/utility incentives can lower your net cost. Get 3 real quotes before deciding.
How This Calculator Works
Nothing hidden — here's the exact math:
- Annual usage: your monthly bill × 12 ÷ your electricity rate = kWh per year.
- System size: annual kWh × your offset goal ÷ your state's production ratio (1.2–1.6 kWh per watt per year, based on sunshine).
- Cost: system watts × 2026's typical installed price of $2.80–$3.60 per watt (cash price, before state incentives).
- Payback: cost ÷ first-year savings. We deliberately ignore utility-rate inflation — so your real payback is usually better than shown.
The federal 30% credit for purchased systems expired December 31, 2025 — this tool shows real 2026 cash prices, unlike many calculators still baking in the old credit. Leases and PPAs can still pass through the commercial credit; see my 2026 financing guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is this solar calculator?
It gets you within roughly ±15% of real quotes for typical homes — close enough to spot an overpriced quote instantly. Roof shading, orientation, and local permitting can move the final number.
Why is my payback longer than what an installer promised?
Many sales quotes still assume the expired 30% federal credit or aggressive rate-inflation guesses. Ask them to show the math at today's rates — then compare with this tool.
Does the calculator include batteries?
No — this is panels-only. Add roughly $9,000–$16,000 installed per battery. Size yours with my battery backup calculator.
More free tools: Battery Backup Calculator · How Many Panels Do I Need?
