Independent solar economics

Solar math starts with your electricity rate.

A practical, unbiased guide to going solar — straight answers on cost, savings, financing, and whether it's worth it. Compare current rate data, then estimate savings with the assumptions you choose.

Calculate from my electric billSee rate data
Solar panels installed on the roof of a contemporary home.

01 / Evidence

Start with the rate you can verify.

Solar estimates inherit the quality of their electricity input. Begin with a published residential benchmark, then compare the jurisdiction where you live.

U.S. Energy Information Administration snapshotApril 202651 jurisdictions in this period

U.S. residential average

19.32¢/kWh

Lowest tracked jurisdiction

North Dakota12.35¢-36.1% vs national

Highest tracked jurisdiction

Hawaii46.62¢+141.3% vs national
Explore all rate data Use this benchmark in savings

02 / Orientation

Pick the question you need answered.

Learn the physical system or evaluate the financial decision. Both paths lead to focused explanations without a sales handoff.

01System

How does rooftop solar work?

Understand how panels, inverters, batteries, utility rules, and roof conditions shape a home system.

  • Panels and hardware
  • Utility relationship
  • Roof fit
Explore solar basics
02Money

Will solar make financial sense?

Evaluate cost, incentives, ownership, payback, and the tradeoffs between loan, lease, and cash.

  • Cost and incentives
  • Payback math
  • Ownership choices
Explore solar finance

03 / Decision lab

Use one tool for the decision in front of you.

Choose the question you are working through. Each calculator keeps its assumptions visible and gives you a focused next step.

01 / 05

Start with your bill

Solar Savings Calculator

Bill in, honest numbers out: system size, cost, savings, and payback.

Open the full calculator to review and change its assumptions.

Open calculator

04 / Field notes

Continue with published guidance.

Start with the newest available analysis, then move through the dated reading trail without losing publication context.

01Solar finance

When Solar Doesn't Make Financial Sense

An unsentimental list of the situations where home solar is the wrong call — roof, shade, rates, tenure, and the 2026 incentive cliff included.

Read the latest guide
02

Solar Loans: What to Watch For Before You Sign

03

Does Solar Increase Home Value? What the Data Shows

04

Solar Payback Period: How to Calculate Your Break-Even

Browse all 10 guides