Your payback
SEIA/Wood Mackenzie Q2 2026 national average: $3.36/W.
0% federal for new 2026 homeowner systems. Add state/utility % here.
From the system sizer — production capped at your usage.
EIA Sep 2026 national residential forecast ≈ $0.18.
Planning assumption, editable.
Frequently asked
Why is payback longer than articles from 2024 say?
Most older articles assumed the 30% federal credit. On a $23,500 system that credit was worth about $7,050. Without it, the same system costs 43% more out of pocket, which stretches payback by several years.
What if my utility doesn't offer net metering?
Then only the electricity you use while the sun shines offsets your bill — roughly half of production for a typical home without a battery. Select "self-consumption only" above to see the difference. Batteries change this math but add $8,000–$15,000+.
Should I lease instead of buying?
Leases and PPAs can still access commercial tax credits (the leasing company claims them), which sometimes makes $0-down offers competitive post-2026. Read our lease vs buy guide for the tradeoff.
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