Finance
Solar Panel ROI Calculator (2026 Rebates)
Payback period, 25-year savings, and ROI for solar installation.
The 2026 federal solar tax credit
The Inflation Reduction Act extended the 30% Investment Tax Credit (ITC) through 2032. On a $25,000 system, this saves $7,500 in federal taxes, bringing your net cost to $17,500.
Average payback periods in 2026
- California: 5–7 years
- Texas: 8–11 years
- Northeast: 7–10 years
- Southeast: 9–13 years
⚡ CalcWolf Insight
Solar installations hit 25GW in 2025 in the US — a record. Panel costs have dropped 89% since 2010. The average US solar installation now produces a 15–20% ROI over 25 years.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in 2026?▾
For homeowners planning to stay 7+ years with electric bills over $100/month, solar is almost always financially positive with the 30% federal credit.
How long do solar panels last?▾
Solar panels are warranted for 25-30 years but typically produce power for 30-40 years with gradual degradation of about 0.5% per year. After 25 years, panels still produce approximately 87% of their original output.
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