I track solar incentives so you don't get ripped off

After watching my neighbor overpay $8,000 because his installer "forgot" to mention the state rebate deadline, I started documenting every incentive program in America. State credits, utility rebates, net metering rules that change by zip code ”” the solar industry profits from this confusion. I don't.

Find your state's incentives →

Data from DSIRE · EnergySage · SEIA · US EIA · Updated weekly · Research by Dana Mercer

30% Federal Investment Tax Credit ”” deducted from your tax bill, not just income IRA 2022 · Available through Dec 2032

50 States with at least one solar incentive program beyond the federal ITC DSIRE database, March 2026

7”“12 yrs Typical payback period ”” varies significantly by state electricity rate and incentives EnergySage, national range

State comparison

Top solar states ”” key metrics at a glance

Last updated: March 2026 · Source: EnergySage, DSIRE, EIA

All 50 states →

Rank	State	Avg install cost	Electricity rate	Peak sun hrs	Typical payback	Key incentive beyond ITC	Net metering
1	California	$3.00/W	27¢/kWh	5.8 hrs	7”“9 yrs	SGIP battery rebate · Property tax exempt	NEM 3.0
2	Texas	$2.78/W	13.5¢/kWh	5.4 hrs	9”“12 yrs	Property tax exempt · Austin/SA utility rebates	None statewide
3	Florida	$2.75/W	14.2¢/kWh	5.5 hrs	8”“11 yrs	Property tax exempt · Sales tax exempt	Full retail
4	New York	$3.11/W	21¢/kWh	4.4 hrs	7”“10 yrs	25% state tax credit (max $5k) · NY-Sun rebate	Full retail
5	Arizona	$2.81/W	13.8¢/kWh	6.0 hrs	8”“11 yrs	25% state tax credit (max $1k) · Sales tax exempt	Full retail
6	Massachusetts	$3.10/W	26¢/kWh	4.5 hrs	7”“9 yrs	SMART Program incentive · 15% state tax credit (max $1k)	Full retail
7	Nevada	$2.79/W	12.5¢/kWh	6.2 hrs	9”“12 yrs	Property tax exempt · Sales tax exempt	Reduced (NVE)
8	North Carolina	$2.84/W	13.8¢/kWh	5.1 hrs	9”“12 yrs	Property tax exempt · Duke Energy rebate programs	Full retail

ITC = Federal Investment Tax Credit (30%, available to all states). Net metering status as of March 2026. Payback assumes 30% ITC applied. Rates from EIA.

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Find your state

Select a state to see full data

Or browse all 50 states →

$7,500 Average federal tax credit on a standard 8kW install at $3.00/W 30% ITC · $25,000 gross system cost

43¢/kWh Hawaii's electricity rate ”” highest in the US, making solar ROI exceptional US EIA, 2025 · Hawaii avg payback: 5”“7 years

Current programs

Latest solar incentives

These are the programs I'm tracking this month. Deadlines matter ”” I've seen homeowners miss $3,000+ because they filed two weeks late.

Last updated: March 15, 2026

Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC)

Deduct 30% of system cost from your federal income taxes. For new residential installations through Dec 2032, stepping to 26% in 2033.

30%

Active · All states Expires Dec 2032

California SGIP Battery Rebate

Self-Generation Incentive Program rebates for home battery storage. $150”“$1,000/kWh depending on income tier. Critical post-NEM 3.0.

$150”“$1k/kWh

Active · CA only Budget-limited

New York State Solar Tax Credit

25% state income tax credit on solar installation, up to $5,000. Stackable with federal ITC ”” can reduce net cost to below 50% of gross.

25% / $5k

Active · NY only Ongoing

Texas Property Tax Exemption

100% of the appraised value added by a solar installation is exempt from property taxes. No cap. Permanent in state law.

100% value

Active · TX only Permanent

Massachusetts SMART Program

Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target ”” fixed-rate incentive paid per kWh generated. Paid directly by utilities monthly for 10 years.

~$0.05”“0.10/kWh

Limited capacity Block system

View all state incentive databases →

Tool

Solar cost calculator

I built this because every "free solar calculator" online wants your phone number so a salesperson can call you 47 times. This one doesn't. Enter your numbers, get your estimate, leave. That's it.

→ Estimated system size (kW)

→ Total installed cost before incentives

→ Net cost after 30% federal ITC

→ Year 1 electricity savings estimate

→ Years to break even (payback period)

→ 25-year return on investment

Calculate my solar savings →

Methodology: EnergySage cost/watt data · NREL irradiance · EIA electricity rates

Sample · California · 2,000 sq ft · $200/mo bill

System size 8.4 kW Estimated solar array

Gross cost $25,200 Before incentives

After 30% ITC $17,640 Federal credit applied

Annual savings $2,160 Year 1 estimate

Payback 8.2 yrs Under NEM 3.0

25-year ROI +$48,500 Estimated total return

Sample output. Your numbers will differ by state, utility, and equipment.

Reviewed products

Gear I actually recommend

I've tested dozens of portable solar products. These are the ones worth your money. Yes, these are affiliate links ”” they help fund the site. No, I don't recommend junk just because it pays well.

EcoFlow DELTA Pro

Portable Power Station · Best for whole-home backup

From $2,999

★★★★★ 5.0 ”” my top pick

Check price on Amazon →

Renogy 200W Monocrystalline Starter Kit

Solar Panel Kit · Best budget option for RVs

From $299

★★★★☆ 4.2

Check price →

Bluetti AC200MAX

Home Backup Power Station · Best mid-range