Solar ROI & Payback Calculator
Calculate solar break-even point. Includes the 30% Federal Tax Credit and utility inflation.
Break-Even Point
7.5 Years
Timeline to Profit
25-Year Net Profit
+$58,976
After cost recovery
Est. Tax Credit
$7,500
Federal ITC (30%)
System Config
Cash Flow Projection
25-Year Lifecycle Audit
Solar Economics in 2026
The Payback Formula
$$ T_{payback} = \frac{Cost_{net}}{Savings_{annual}} $$
Solar ROI Inquiries
?Is solar worth it in 2026?
With the 30% Federal Tax Credit extended and utility rates rising at ~3.5% annually, solar remains a strong investment.
?How does the Federal Solar Tax Credit work?
The ITC allows you to deduct 30% of the system cost from your federal taxes with no cap.
?Do solar panels degrade over time?
Yes, Tier-1 panels typically degrade at 0.5% per year, maintaining ~87% output after 25 years.