Is solar still worth it in 2026?

Four things change your payback more than the sales pitch. Here's what changed and what to check before you sign.

1. The federal credit is gone

The IRS says the Section 25D residential clean energy credit is not available for property placed in service after December 31, 2025. Homeowner-owned systems installed in 2026 get no federal credit.

IRS guidance ↗

2. Price per watt

Divide the cash price by system watts. The 2026 marketplace average is about $2.60/W before incentives, and it varies by state. Without the credit, an inflated quote hurts more.

3. Net metering

PA, NJ, MD, FL and CO credit exports at or near retail; California pays far less. Your utility's rule can change payback by years.

4. Financing & local incentives

Compare cash vs. financed price. Check your utility, state energy office and DSIRE for rebates that still apply.

So is it still worth it?

Often yes — but it depends far more on the price you pay and how your utility credits exported power than it did when the 30% credit softened a high quote. In states with full net metering and higher electricity rates (for example New Jersey, Maryland, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania), a fairly priced system commonly pays back in about 9–14 years. Where exports are credited at a fraction of retail, or electricity is cheap, payback can stretch past 20 years.

See payback by state, the Pennsylvania guide, or run your own numbers in the calculator.

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