US Solar Panel Costs, Savings & Incentives by State
Compare solar potential across all 50 states. The national average payback period is 9.4 years with average 20-year savings of $33,682. Use our calculator below to estimate your solar ROI.
Solar Potential by State
4.5 hrs
Alabama
11.2yr payback
3.0 hrs
Alaska
10.5yr payback
6.5 hrs
Arizona
6.8yr payback
4.6 hrs
Arkansas
11.5yr payback
5.8 hrs
California
5.5yr payback
5.5 hrs
Colorado
8.2yr payback
3.8 hrs
Connecticut
6.2yr payback
4.2 hrs
Delaware
9.8yr payback
5.4 hrs
Florida
8.5yr payback
4.8 hrs
Georgia
10.2yr payback
5.5 hrs
Hawaii
4.8yr payback
4.7 hrs
Idaho
12.5yr payback
4.0 hrs
Illinois
9yr payback
4.0 hrs
Indiana
10yr payback
4.2 hrs
Iowa
10.2yr payback
5.0 hrs
Kansas
9.5yr payback
4.1 hrs
Kentucky
12yr payback
4.8 hrs
Louisiana
11yr payback
3.8 hrs
Maine
7.5yr payback
4.3 hrs
Maryland
8.5yr payback
3.8 hrs
Massachusetts
6yr payback
3.6 hrs
Michigan
9.5yr payback
4.0 hrs
Minnesota
10yr payback
4.7 hrs
Mississippi
11yr payback
4.4 hrs
Missouri
10.8yr payback
4.5 hrs
Montana
11.5yr payback
4.6 hrs
Nebraska
11yr payback
6.4 hrs
Nevada
7yr payback
3.7 hrs
New Hampshire
7.2yr payback
4.0 hrs
New Jersey
7.5yr payback
6.2 hrs
New Mexico
7.5yr payback
3.6 hrs
New York
6.5yr payback
4.6 hrs
North Carolina
9.8yr payback
4.3 hrs
North Dakota
12yr payback
3.8 hrs
Ohio
10.2yr payback
5.1 hrs
Oklahoma
10.5yr payback
4.0 hrs
Oregon
10.8yr payback
3.8 hrs
Pennsylvania
8.5yr payback
3.8 hrs
Rhode Island
6.5yr payback
4.8 hrs
South Carolina
9yr payback
4.6 hrs
South Dakota
11.2yr payback
4.3 hrs
Tennessee
11.5yr payback
5.3 hrs
Texas
8yr payback
5.6 hrs
Utah
10yr payback
3.6 hrs
Vermont
8yr payback
4.3 hrs
Virginia
10yr payback
3.5 hrs
Washington
12.5yr payback
3.8 hrs
West Virginia
12yr payback
3.8 hrs
Wisconsin
9.5yr payback
5.2 hrs
Wyoming
12yr payback
Top 5 States for Solar
Solar Savings Calculator
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Highest 20-Year Solar Savings
| Rank | State | Sun Hours | Payback | 20-Year Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Hawaii | 5.5 hrs | 4.8 years | $72,400 |
| #2 | California | 5.8 hrs | 5.5 years | $58,200 |
| #3 | Massachusetts | 3.8 hrs | 6 years | $54,800 |
| #4 | Connecticut | 3.8 hrs | 6.2 years | $52,400 |
| #5 | Rhode Island | 3.8 hrs | 6.5 years | $48,600 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do solar panels cost in the US?
The average cost of a 6kW residential solar system in the US is $17,000-$21,000 before incentives. After the 30% federal tax credit, the net cost drops to $12,000-$15,000. Costs vary by state, with Southwest states generally being cheaper.
What is the federal solar tax credit for 2026?
The federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is 30% of the total system cost for systems installed through 2032. It steps down to 26% in 2033 and 22% in 2034. There is no cap on the credit amount.
How long does it take for solar panels to pay for themselves?
The national average payback period is 9.4 years. States with high electricity rates and good sun exposure (like Hawaii, California, and Massachusetts) have the fastest payback at 4-6 years. States with low rates and less sun may take 12-15 years.
Which states are best for solar panels?
The best states for solar energy are Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, California, Utah. These states have the highest peak sun hours (5.5-6.5 hours/day), strong incentives, and net metering policies.
Related Resources
Data verified March 2026 · Source: NREL, DSIRE, EIA