Solar & clean-energy calculators

Know exactly what solar will cost & save — before a salesperson tells you.

Free, no-signup calculators built on real DSIRE, NREL, EIA and IRS data. Get your true payback period, 25-year savings, loan payment and federal tax credit in seconds.

30%
Federal tax credit (2026)
7–12 yrs
Avg US payback
$48k+
Typical 25-yr savings
The short version Most US homeowners break even on solar in 7–12 years in 2026, then collect 13–18 more years of nearly free electricity. After the 30% federal tax credit, a typical $21,000 rooftop system on a $150/month electric bill pays back in about 8 years and returns $48,000+ over 25 years. Your number depends on your state's electricity rate and incentives — the calculators below give you a personalized answer in under a minute.
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9 free tools

Every solar number, one place

No email, no sales call. Each calculator shows its full formula and the real 2026 data behind it.

New · 6 heat pump tools

Heating & cooling, the efficient way

Heat pumps run at 300–400% efficiency and replace both your furnace and AC. Plan yours with the same honest math.

See all 6 heat pump calculators

Why GreenCalcs

Built for homeowners, not installers

Real government data

Every figure traces to DSIRE, NREL, EIA or the IRS — not a sales brochure. We cite our sources on every page.

No email gate, no spam

You won't be asked for your phone number and sold to three installers. Calculate freely, in private.

The full formula, shown

We don't hide the math. Each tool explains its calculation step-by-step so you can check it yourself.

Solar incentives by state

Solar is a different deal in every state

Electricity rates, net metering rules and rebates vary wildly. Pick your state for local payback numbers and incentives.

Get your answer in 3 steps

How to use GreenCalcs

1

Grab your electric bill

You only need your average monthly bill and your state. That's enough for a solid first estimate.

2

Pick a calculator

Start with the Payback Calculator, then check ROI, loan payments and the tax credit.

3

Compare your options

Use the lease-vs-buy and financing tools to find the cheapest way to go solar for you.

Ready to see your real solar payback?

It takes about 60 seconds. No sign-up, no sales call — just your number and the math behind it.

Open the Payback Calculator
Solar guides

Understand the “why” behind the numbers

Plain-English explainers on tax credits, net metering, financing and more — reviewed against IRS, DSIRE and NREL data.

See all solar guides

Common questions

Solar calculator FAQ

Are GreenCalcs calculators really free?
Yes — 100% free, with no sign-up, no email gate and no personal data collection. We're supported by non-intrusive ads, not by selling your contact details to solar installers. You can run every calculator as many times as you like, completely in private.
How accurate are the numbers?
Our calculators use 2026 figures from DSIRE (state incentives), NREL (installed cost per watt), the EIA (electricity rates) and the IRS (the 30% federal tax credit). They're strong planning estimates, but your roof's orientation, shading and your exact utility rate mean a licensed installer's on-site assessment is the final word.
What is the federal solar tax credit in 2026?
The Residential Clean Energy Credit (ITC) is 30% of your total system cost in 2026, locked in through 2032 by the Inflation Reduction Act. It covers panels, inverters, batteries (3 kWh+), mounting hardware and installation labor. Our Solar Tax Credit Calculator works out your exact credit.
How long does solar take to pay for itself?
The US national average payback in 2026 is 7–12 years. High-rate states like Hawaii pay back in 4–6 years; low-rate states stretch to 12–15. Because panels last 25–30 years, even a 12-year payback leaves well over a decade of nearly free power. Run your own number in the Payback Calculator.
Do I need to enter personal information?
No. There's nothing to sign up for and no contact form required to use a calculator. You enter only the numbers needed for the math — system size, your electric bill and your state — and nothing is stored or sent anywhere.
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Reviewed by Sarah Chen

Energy Analyst

Sarah has spent 12 years modeling US residential solar economics, including 4 years contributing to NREL's Distributed Generation Market Demand model. She holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from UC Berkeley and reviews every calculator on GreenCalcs against current IRS, DSIRE and EIA data. Read our methodology →