I built this calculator after going through the solar quoting process myself and realizing that most online estimators are just lead generation forms in disguise. You enter your address, and three minutes later your phone starts ringing.
This one works differently. Everything runs in your browser. Nothing gets sent anywhere. You plug in your monthly electric bill, pick your state and roof details, and the calculator estimates your system size, annual production, 25-year savings, and payback period. It uses real averages for peak sun hours by state, current installation costs around $3.00 per watt, the 30% federal tax credit, and a 3% annual electricity inflation rate for the long-term projection.
A few things this tool cannot account for: your specific utility's net metering policy, state-level rebates that vary wildly by zip code, time-of-use rate structures, and the actual condition of your roof. The numbers here are directional estimates to help you decide whether solar is worth investigating further. They are not a substitute for getting real quotes from local installers who can assess your specific situation. Treat the output as a starting point for the conversation, not the final answer.
These numbers are rough estimates based on national averages. Your actual savings depend on your utility's rate structure, net metering policy, local incentives, and the specific quotes you receive from installers. The federal tax credit of 30% applies through 2032 under the Inflation Reduction Act, but you need enough tax liability to claim it. Consider getting at least three quotes from local installers for numbers specific to your home.