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The federal tax credit is gone for homeowners. Here's why solar still makes financial sense — with real pricing data for every state we serve.
Note: All calculations reflect $0 federal tax credit for homeowner purchases. Only state incentives are included where available.
Solar electricity costs roughly $0.06–0.08/kWh over 25 years. Your utility charges $0.15–0.30/kWh and raises rates 3–5% every year. Even without the federal credit, solar locks in your electricity cost at a fraction of what you're paying now — and the gap widens every year as utility rates climb.
Based on a typical 8kW system (20 panels at 400W each). All costs are pre-financing. State incentives applied where available.
| State | Utility Rate | System Cost | State Incentive | Net Cost | Year 1 Savings | Payback | 25-Year Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island | $0.27/kWh | $25,536 | -$2,800 | $22,736 | $2,592 | 9 yrs | $77,760 |
| Connecticut | $0.30/kWh | $26,544 | -$2,000 | $24,544 | $2,820 | 9 yrs | $84,600 |
| Massachusetts | $0.28/kWh | $26,160 | -$320 | $25,840 | $2,688 | 10 yrs | $80,640 |
| New Jersey | $0.18/kWh | $26,016 | -$7,200 | $18,816 | $1,800 | 11 yrs | $54,000 |
| New York | $0.24/kWh | $27,328 | -$1,600 | $25,728 | $2,208 | 12 yrs | $66,240 |
| New Hampshire | $0.22/kWh | $24,992 | $0 | $24,992 | $2,068 | 13 yrs | $61,920 |
| Vermont | $0.21/kWh | $24,992 | -$800 | $24,192 | $1,890 | 13 yrs | $56,874 |
| Maine | $0.20/kWh | $24,448 | $0 | $24,448 | $1,840 | 14 yrs | $55,080 |
| Texas | $0.14/kWh | $22,288 | $0 | $22,288 | $1,680 | 14 yrs | $50,400 |
| Georgia | $0.14/kWh | $22,672 | $0 | $22,672 | $1,610 | 15 yrs | $48,240 |
| Pennsylvania | $0.17/kWh | $24,768 | -$400 | $24,368 | $1,666 | 15 yrs | $50,038 |
Utility Rate
$0.27/kWh
Net Cost
$22,736
Year 1 Savings
$2,592
25-Year Savings
$77,760
Includes $2,800 state incentive
Utility Rate
$0.30/kWh
Net Cost
$24,544
Year 1 Savings
$2,820
25-Year Savings
$84,600
Includes $2,000 state incentive
Utility Rate
$0.28/kWh
Net Cost
$25,840
Year 1 Savings
$2,688
25-Year Savings
$80,640
Includes $320 state incentive
Utility Rate
$0.18/kWh
Net Cost
$18,816
Year 1 Savings
$1,800
25-Year Savings
$54,000
Includes $7,200 state incentive
Utility Rate
$0.24/kWh
Net Cost
$25,728
Year 1 Savings
$2,208
25-Year Savings
$66,240
Includes $1,600 state incentive
Utility Rate
$0.22/kWh
Net Cost
$24,992
Year 1 Savings
$2,068
25-Year Savings
$61,920
Utility Rate
$0.21/kWh
Net Cost
$24,192
Year 1 Savings
$1,890
25-Year Savings
$56,874
Includes $800 state incentive
Utility Rate
$0.20/kWh
Net Cost
$24,448
Year 1 Savings
$1,840
25-Year Savings
$55,080
Utility Rate
$0.14/kWh
Net Cost
$22,288
Year 1 Savings
$1,680
25-Year Savings
$50,400
Utility Rate
$0.14/kWh
Net Cost
$22,672
Year 1 Savings
$1,610
25-Year Savings
$48,240
Utility Rate
$0.17/kWh
Net Cost
$24,368
Year 1 Savings
$1,666
25-Year Savings
$50,038
Includes $400 state incentive
Electricity rates have increased 3–5% annually on average. A $200/month bill today becomes $325/month in 10 years and $530/month in 20 years at 5% annual increases.
Once installed, your solar electricity costs $0.06–0.08/kWh for 25+ years. That rate never increases. The longer you own the system, the more you save compared to rising utility rates.
In states like New Jersey ($0.90/W), Rhode Island ($0.35/W), and Connecticut ($0.25/W), state incentives offset 10–25% of system cost, shortening payback by 1–3 years.
We believe in honest advice. Here are situations where solar may not be the best investment:
If you pay less than $0.10/kWh, the savings from solar are smaller and payback takes 15+ years. Consider a lease/PPA for immediate savings with no upfront cost.
Significant shading reduces production by 20–50%. If most of your roof is shaded year-round, the system may not produce enough to justify the investment.
Solar increases home value by ~4%, but you need 3–4 years minimum to recoup the difference between system cost and home value increase.
These are averages. Your savings depend on your roof, usage, and utility rate. Use our calculator for a precise estimate.