☀️ Updated for 2026 Tax Credits ⚡ 100% Free & Instant

Size your solar system in 60 seconds, not 60 pages.

Pick what you're powering, tell us your location and appliances, and get an instant panel count, battery size, cost range, and payback estimate — no email required.

Step 1 of 3

What are you powering?

Location & sun hours

Select your state

Peak sun hours update automatically based on your state.

Custom peak sun hours (optional override)

Appliance load checklist

Total Daily Energy Requirement 0 Wh/day

Calculating heavy seasonal loads like a swamp cooler? Use our specialized Swamp Cooler Solar Calculator or Chicken Coop Heater Guide.

Recommended System Size

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Check recommended solar panel angle →

Battery Storage Requirements

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Complete Solar Battery Sizing Guide →

Cost Estimate Breakdown

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Financial & Monthly Savings

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Explore full monthly savings calculation →

Smart Warnings & Optimization Alerts

Find Your Setup

Find your specific solar calculator

Every use case has different loads, run-times and duty cycles. Jump straight to a purpose-built tool.

Van Build Solar Calculator

Size panels and batteries for a camper or skoolie build, including 12V fridges and fans.

Calculate my van system →

Hunting Cabin Calculator

Off-grid sizing for seasonal cabins with efficiency fridges and water pumps.

Calculate my cabin system →

Greenhouse Solar Sizer

Account for ventilation fans, grow lights and heaters running on a schedule.

Calculate my greenhouse system →

Horse Barn & Farm Calculator

Size for fence chargers, barn lighting and water heaters across outbuildings.

Calculate my barn system →

Food Truck Power Estimator

Commercial refrigeration, POS systems and signage sized for mobile power.

Calculate my food truck system →

Backyard Office Calculator

Dual monitors, mini-split AC and desktop workstations sized for a home office pod.

Calculate my office system →

Renters & Apartment Solar Setup

Portable and balcony-friendly systems for renters without roof access.

Calculate my apartment system →

Shed & Detached Garage Calculator

Lighting, power tools and small compressors sized for a detached structure.

Calculate my shed system →

Pricing

How much do solar panels cost in 2026?

Average solar panel cost per watt has continued to decline, and the 30% federal tax credit still applies through 2026 for qualifying installations.

System Size	Pre-Incentive Cost	After 30% Federal Tax Credit
3 kW — Small Home	$9,000	$6,300
6 kW — Average Home	$18,000	$12,600
10 kW — Large Home	$30,000	$21,000
400 W — Van / Off-Grid Cabin	$1,200	$840

Want to dive deeper into full breakdown incentives? Read our comprehensive Solar Panel Cost 2026 In-Depth Guide or explore our Save On Solar Incentives Portal.

By Location

Solar by state: quick reference guide

Peak sun hours and typical annual savings vary widely — here's a fast look at five of the biggest solar markets.

Quick Answers

Solar 101: quick answers & expert guides

How many solar panels do I need?

Most homes need 20–25 panels to offset a typical bill, but the right number depends on your usage, roof space and local sun hours.

Use the full home calculator →

How much does solar cost in 2026?

An average home system runs $12,600–$21,000 after the 30% federal tax credit, depending on system size and equipment.

See the full 2026 cost guide →

Is solar power worth it for my property?

Payback typically lands between 6–10 years, after which energy production is essentially free for the life of the panels.

Estimate your monthly savings →

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How many solar panels does an average home need?

Most U.S. homes need between 20 and 25 standard 400W panels to cover their electricity usage, though this varies by climate, roof orientation and household size. Use the calculator above for a number tailored to your home.

What is the federal solar tax credit in 2026?

The federal Residential Clean Energy Credit still allows homeowners to deduct 30% of total system cost from their federal taxes in 2026, with no cap on system size.

How much does a solar system cost with battery backup?

Adding a lithium (LiFePO4) battery typically adds $6,000–$15,000 depending on capacity. Read our complete solar battery sizing guide for a breakdown by use case.

Can I go completely off-grid with solar?

Yes, with enough panel capacity and battery storage to cover 2–3 days of autonomy, most homes and cabins can run fully off-grid, though a backup generator is recommended for extended low-sun periods.

How long do solar panels last and what maintenance is needed?

Modern panels are typically rated for 25–30 years of production, with only occasional cleaning and inspection required. See our solar maintenance checklist for a full schedule.

What size inverter and solar angle do I need?

Inverter size should match or slightly exceed your array's total wattage, and tilt angle is usually close to your latitude. Try our solar panel angle calculator for a precise recommendation.