Question 1

How much does a residential solar system cost?

Accepted Answer

The average residential solar system in 2026 costs between $2.50 and $3.50 per watt before incentives. For a typical 8 kW system, that's $20,000–$28,000. Your actual cost depends on your state, roof complexity, and the installer you choose. The price-per-watt varies significantly by region — use our calculator with your real address to get a localized estimate.

Question 2

How does the solar savings calculator work?

Accepted Answer

Enter your address and monthly electric bill. The calculator pulls real solar production data from NREL for your specific location, current utility rates from the EIA, and available incentives. It then compares three ownership paths — cash purchase, solar loan, and third-party ownership (lease/PPA) — so you can see which option saves you the most over 25 years.

Question 3

Should I buy solar with cash, take a loan, or lease?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your financial situation and goals. Cash buyers see the highest lifetime savings but need $20K+ upfront. Solar loans let you own the system with monthly payments that are often less than your current electric bill. TPO (leases and PPAs) require zero upfront cost but you don't own the panels — the TPO provider does. In 2026, with the residential ITC expired, TPO dominates because the commercial tax credit (48E) flows through the TPO company, effectively subsidizing your rate.

Solar FAQ

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