Free Clean Energy Tools — No Signup Required
Calculate Your Solar, Battery & EV Savings in Seconds
Real estimates based on your ZIP code, electricity rate, and local incentives. Not national averages. No email required. No sales calls — ever.
Quick Solar Estimate
See your savings in 30 seconds
Free Calculators
Three Tools. One Goal: Real Numbers.
Solar Savings Calculator
Enter your bill and location — get system size, estimated cost, payback period, and 25-year savings. Updated with 2026 state incentive data.
Calculate solar savings →Battery Sizing Calculator
Find the right battery capacity for your home. Whether you want nighttime coverage, backup power, or full off-grid capability — get a personalized recommendation.
Size my battery →EV Savings Calculator
See exactly how much you'd save on fuel switching to an electric vehicle. Compare your current gas costs to EV charging costs by location and driving habits.
Calculate EV savings →Why SolarCalcUSA
Independent Tools. No Sales Agenda.
Most solar "calculators" online are lead generation forms designed to sell your contact information to installers. We built SolarCalcUSA differently — as genuinely useful tools for homeowners who want real numbers before talking to anyone.
Our calculators use real local electricity rates, actual sun hour data by ZIP code, and current state incentive information — not optimistic national averages that make solar look better than it is in your specific situation.
Local utility rates, peak sun hours, and state incentives — not national averages.
We don't collect your email or sell your information. Use the tools and leave — no strings attached.
The federal solar ITC expired December 31, 2025. Our guides reflect the current reality — not outdated information.
Calculators plus in-depth guides on solar basics, battery types, EV charging, and all available incentives.
Educational Guides
Everything You Need to Know Before You Decide
Common Questions
Solar & Clean Energy FAQs
Is the federal solar tax credit still available in 2026?
No. The 30% federal residential solar ITC (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025. New solar installations in 2026 do not qualify for the federal credit. However, many states still offer their own solar tax credits, property tax exemptions, sales tax exemptions, and net metering programs. See our 2026 Solar Incentives Guide for what's available in your state.
How accurate are your solar savings estimates?
Our calculators use real local electricity rates by state, NREL peak sun hour data by region, and current panel pricing averages. Results are estimates — actual savings depend on your specific roof, shading, utility rate structure, and installer pricing. We aim to give you a realistic range rather than the optimistic "best case" numbers many installers use. Always get 3–5 installer quotes to validate any estimate.
How many solar panels does an average home need?
The US average home consuming 10,500 kWh per year typically needs 15–20 panels (at 400W each) in a location with average sun exposure. Your actual number depends on your electricity consumption, roof orientation, local sun hours, and how much of your bill you want to offset. Our Solar Calculator gives you a personalized panel count estimate based on your specific bill and location.
Do I need a battery with solar panels?
Not necessarily. A solar-only system covers your daytime electricity needs and exports excess power to the grid through net metering. A battery makes sense if you want backup power during outages, if your utility uses time-of-use pricing with expensive evening rates, or if your state has reduced net metering compensation. Our Battery Basics Guide walks through whether storage makes financial sense for your situation.
Is the $7,500 federal EV tax credit still available?
Yes — the Clean Vehicle Credit under the Inflation Reduction Act remains active for qualifying new EVs in 2026. Since 2024, you can take it as an immediate point-of-sale price reduction at the dealership instead of waiting until tax season. Vehicle and income eligibility requirements apply. See our EV Incentives Guide for full details on what qualifies.
How long do solar panels actually last?
Most premium solar panels carry 25-year production warranties guaranteeing at least 85% of rated output at year 25. Real-world degradation averages about 0.5% per year. Inverters have shorter lifespans — typically 10–15 years — and are usually the first component needing replacement. A properly installed solar system routinely operates for 30+ years, though with gradually declining output over time.
About SolarCalcUSA
SolarCalcUSA is an independent clean energy resource built for US homeowners considering solar panels, home battery storage, or electric vehicles. We're not affiliated with any installer, manufacturer, or utility — our only goal is to help you understand whether clean energy makes financial sense for your specific home, and if so, how to approach it as an informed buyer.
Our calculators, guides, and state-by-state data are updated regularly to reflect current pricing, incentive changes, and technology developments. When something important changes — like the expiration of the federal solar ITC at the end of 2025 — we update immediately rather than letting outdated information persist.