What affects solar cost
The main factors are:
- System size in kilowatts (based on your electricity use)
- Panel and inverter quality
- Roof type, pitch, and complexity
- Whether you add battery storage (often $10,000 or more)
Incentives and payback
The 30 percent federal residential clean energy credit (IRC 25D) ended for homeowner-owned systems installed after December 31, 2025. Many states and utilities still offer rebates, net metering and tax exemptions. Payback depends mostly on local electricity rates and those incentives, after which the power is largely free for the life of the system.
