Solar
Solar Panels by State — Costs, Savings & ROI Rankings
Compare solar savings, payback periods, and 25-year ROI for all 50 US states plus Washington D.C. All data from EIA and NREL, updated May 2026.
Interactive Solar Map — All 50 States
Comparing solar panels by state starts with two variables: peak sun hours and local electricity rates. Darker orange = higher ROI. Hover any state to preview its data. Click to open the full state solar guide.
The Southwest dominates on sun, but the Northeast surprises on ROI. Massachusetts and Connecticut rank in the top 5 despite fewer sun hours — every kWh they generate displaces electricity at $0.28–$0.32/kWh, nearly double the national average.
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Top 10 Best States for Solar — ROI Ranking
Ranked by 25-year ROI. The key insight: electricity rate predicts ROI better than sunshine. Hawaii leads because its grid costs ~$0.40/kWh — more than double the national average.
Solar Data — All 50 States + D.C.
Click any column header to sort. Key insight: Rate/kWh often predicts ROI better than sun hours.
| State | Sun Hrs/Day | $/kWh | Yr 1 Savings* | Payback | Guide |
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*Year 1 savings at $200/month bill, south-facing roof. Sources: EIA + NREL, May 2026.
FAQ — Solar Panels by State
Which state is best for solar panels?
Hawaii ranks #1 for solar panel ROI with the highest electricity rates in the US and a 5–7 year payback. California ranks #2. Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut rank in the top 5 despite fewer sun hours — their high electricity rates make every kilowatt-hour generated significantly more valuable.
What is the average solar payback period in the US?
The US average solar payback period is 9–11 years. Top states like Hawaii and California see 5–8 years. Lower-rate states like Louisiana and Oklahoma can see 12–14 years.
Is solar worth it in low-sun states?
Yes, in many cases. Massachusetts and Connecticut have electricity rates so high ($0.28–$0.32/kWh) that solar ROI remains strong despite fewer sun hours. A useful rule: if your rate exceeds $0.15/kWh, solar almost always makes financial sense regardless of location.
What is a peak sun hour?
A peak sun hour is one hour during which solar irradiance averages 1,000 W/m² — the standard rating condition for solar panels. It is not the same as hours of daylight. Phoenix averages 6.5 peak sun hours per day; Boston averages 4.2, per NREL. Your output in kWh = panel wattage × peak sun hours per day.
Why does the Northeast rank so high for solar ROI despite less sun?
Solar ROI = kWh generated × value per kWh. Northeast states like Massachusetts ($0.32/kWh), Rhode Island ($0.31/kWh), and Connecticut ($0.28/kWh) have rates nearly double Arizona's $0.16/kWh. So while a Massachusetts homeowner generates fewer kWh, each one saved is worth far more. Add generous state incentives and the Northeast consistently outperforms sun-rich but rate-cheap markets.
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