Is Solar Worth It in 2026? The Honest Answer

Everyone has an opinion on solar. Your neighbor says it saved them $300 a month. Your cousin says they lost money. The solar salesperson says it is the best investment you will ever make.

Who is right?

The answer depends on your situation. Here is how to figure out if solar makes financial sense for you — without talking to a salesperson.

When solar is worth it

Solar makes the most sense when these conditions are met:

1. Your electric bill is over $150/month

Solar is a fixed cost. If your bill is $50 a month, saving $40 does not justify a $20,000 investment. If your bill is $300, saving $250 per month pays back the system in 7 years instead of 15.

2. You live in a sunny state

Arizona, California, Florida, Texas, Nevada, Colorado — these states get 5 to 6 peak sun hours per day. Your panels produce more energy, which means faster payback.

3. Your roof is in good condition

If your roof is less than 10 years old, you are good. If it is 15 years or older, factor in the cost of replacement before installing solar. Removing and reinstalling panels costs $3,000 to $6,000.

4. You plan to stay in your home for 7+ years

Solar payback periods average 7 to 10 years. If you move before then, you do not capture the full savings. Homes with solar do sell for more, but the premium varies by market.

5. Net metering is available in your area

Net metering lets you sell excess energy back to the grid at retail rates. Without it, solar savings drop significantly. Check your utility policy.

When solar is NOT worth it

1. Your roof faces north

North-facing roofs produce 30 to 50% less energy than south-facing roofs. You would need more panels, which costs more, which extends the payback period.

2. Your roof is heavily shaded

Trees, chimneys, and neighboring buildings cast shadows. Even partial shading on one panel can reduce output of an entire string. If more than 20% of your roof is shaded, solar may not make sense.

3. Your electric bill is under $100/month

The math does not work. A $15,000 system saving $60/month takes 21 years to pay back. Panels last 25 to 30 years. You barely break even.

4. You live where net metering is gone

Some utilities have eliminated or reduced net metering credits. Without full retail-rate buyback, solar savings drop 30 to 50%. Check your state policy.

5. Your roof needs replacement soon

If your roof is 15+ years old, you will need to replace it. Doing so after solar installation means removing and reinstalling panels. Factor this into your costs.

The federal tax credit

In 2026, the federal solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is still active. You can deduct 30% of your solar installation cost from your federal taxes.

Example:

• System cost: $20,000
• Tax credit: $6,000
• Net cost: $14,000

This applies if you owe enough in federal taxes to use the credit. Consult a tax professional.

How to know for sure

You can guess whether solar is worth it. Or you can check your roof first.

SolrScan analyzes your roof from satellite imagery and tells you:

• How many panels fit
• Estimated annual production
• Shading impact
• Roof age assessment
• Whether your roof is suitable

Cost: $19. Time: 60 seconds. No account needed. No sales call.

If your roof scores well, you know solar is worth pursuing. If it scores poorly, you saved yourself months of wasted time and potentially thousands of dollars.

Get your SolrScan report at solrscan.com.