Automatic Solar Quote gives homeowners honest, instant answers about going solar in 2026 - with no salespeople, no email gate, and no pressure. The federal residential solar tax credit expired on December 31, 2025, which means 2026 solar economics run entirely on energy savings, state incentives, and net metering. Our three free calculators show you exactly what to expect: how many years until your panels pay for themselves, which state-level tax credits and rebates you still qualify for, and how much your utility will credit you for the electricity you send back to the grid. Every calculation is transparent and uses 2026 rates and policies.
See how many years until your solar system pays for itself through energy savings and state incentives.
Find remaining state-level solar tax credits, rebates, SRECs, and exemptions for 2026. Federal credit is expired.
Estimate the value of the excess solar electricity your panels send to the grid under your state's net metering policy.
For most homeowners, yes. Even though the 30% federal residential solar tax credit expired on December 31, 2025, panel prices have fallen over 70% in the past decade and electricity rates keep rising 2-4% per year. A typical residential system in 2026 pays back in 7-12 years and produces $40,000-$80,000 in lifetime savings over a 25-year panel life. Homes in high-rate states like Hawaii, California, Massachusetts, and New York see the fastest returns.
Average installed residential solar cost in 2026 is $2.50-$3.50 per watt before incentives. An 8 kW system typically runs $20,000-$28,000 before state credits or rebates. Costs vary 20-30% between installers, so always get multiple quotes. The federal tax credit is no longer available, but state incentives can still reduce net cost by thousands of dollars.
The federal residential solar Investment Tax Credit (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025 and is not available for 2026 installations. However, many states still offer strong incentives: New York (25% tax credit up to $5,000), South Carolina (25% credit, no cap), Arizona (25% up to $1,000), Hawaii (35% up to $5,000), Rhode Island (25% up to $7,000), plus SREC markets in NJ, MA, MD, IL, and DC. Most states also offer property or sales tax exemptions on solar equipment.