Solar, without the sales pitch.
Move the slider to see what solar could save you, in plain numbers. Then compare real quotes, or pick a simpler option like plug-in panels or a portable power station.
- Free, independent calculators
- No calls unless you ask
- Renters welcome
- —System size
- —Payback
- —Of bill covered
Estimate assumes a sunny, unshaded roof, today's typical installed price and no tax credit. Adjust every assumption.
Three ways to go solar
Most sites only sell rooftop systems. Pick the road that fits your home, budget and lease.
Rooftop solar
Best when you own a sunny roof, pay $100+ a month and plan to stay 7+ years.
Is it worth it for me?Plug-in and balcony
Costs hundreds, not thousands. Check whether your state allows it first.
How plug-in solar worksBatteries and portable
Size it by what you need to run, not by the biggest number on the box.
Size a power stationFree solar calculators
Every tool runs in your browser. Nothing you type is stored or sent anywhere.
Compare up to 3 local installer quotes
Quotes for the same home can differ by thousands of dollars. Getting three is the single easiest way to save.
- Six quick questions, about one minute
- See your estimate before you share contact details
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Start with these guides
Short, honest answers to the questions people actually ask before going solar. See all guides.
- Is solar worth it in 2026? An honest answerLearn the six factors that decide if solar pays off, with worked payback math for California, Texas and Washington, plus when to skip it.7 min
- How much do solar panels cost in 2026?See 2026 solar prices per watt, total costs for 4 to 12 kW systems, where your money goes, battery prices and what pushes a quote up or down.5 min
- Solar incentives in 2026: what's left and whereThe US 30% homeowner credit is gone, but state credits, rebates, lease rules and programs in Canada, the UK, Australia and India still help.7 min
- Plug-in and balcony solar: the complete beginner's guideHow plug-in balcony solar works, what an 800 W kit really makes, safety basics, typical costs, and where it is legal in the US and Germany.7 min
- How solar panels work, explained simplyLearn how sunlight becomes electricity, what an inverter does, and how much power one panel really makes per day, with simple math you can follow.7 min
- Home solar batteries explained: cost, size and when they payHow home batteries work, what kWh and kW mean, typical installed costs, how to size one, and when a battery actually makes financial sense.7 min
- Solar for renters: 5 ways to use solar without owning a roofRenting does not shut you out of solar. Compare community solar, plug-in panels, power stations, green plans and landlord deals by cost and effort.7 min
- Portable power stations: how to pick the right sizeHow to size a portable power station using Wh capacity, continuous and surge watts, inverter losses and solar charge time, with worked examples.7 min
How solar pays off where you live
Electricity prices and sunshine decide most of the math. Choose your state for local numbers.
Watch and learn
Hand-picked explainers from engineers and educators. Open the video library.
How Simple.solar works
- Check the numbers. Our calculators use public electricity prices and sunshine data for your state.
- Learn the trade-offs. Plain-English guides cover cost, batteries, financing, and red flags in sales pitches.
- Compare quotes if you want them. Request up to three quotes from vetted local installers, or keep researching. Your choice.
We're an independent publisher funded by advertising, partner referrals and reader support. That never changes our numbers. Read our editorial policy.
Questions people ask first
Is solar still worth it without the 30% federal tax credit?
Often, yes. The US homeowner tax credit ended for systems installed after 2025, which stretches payback by a few years. In states with high electricity prices and decent sun, many systems still pay for themselves in 8 to 12 years and keep saving for 25+. Run your own numbers in the savings calculator.
Can I go solar if I rent?
Yes. Plug-in panels, community solar subscriptions and portable power stations don't need a roof you own. See solar for renters.
Do solar panels work during a power outage?
Standard grid-tied systems shut off during an outage for the safety of utility workers. To keep power on you need a battery or a system designed to island. See outage backup options.
How long do solar panels last?
Most panels carry 25 to 30 year warranties and lose roughly 0.25% to 0.5% of output per year. Inverters usually need replacing once, around year 10 to 15.
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