Solar Savings by City

Understanding Solar Savings by City

Solar savings vary dramatically from city to city based on three primary factors: peak sun hours (solar irradiance), local electricity rates, and available incentive programs. Cities in the Southwest like Phoenix and Las Vegas enjoy 6+ peak sun hours per day, while cities in the Pacific Northwest like Seattle average around 3.5 hours. However, high electricity rates in cities like Boston and New York can make solar equally attractive despite lower sun exposure.

Every homeowner in the United States qualifies for the federal 30% Investment Tax Credit (ITC) under the Inflation Reduction Act, which runs through 2032. Many states and cities offer additional incentives including state tax credits, Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs), property tax exemptions, and utility rebates that can further reduce the net cost of going solar.

Use the city-specific calculators above to get personalized solar savings estimates based on your exact location, system size, and electricity usage. For statewide comparisons, visit our Solar Savings by State page. You can also use our Solar Panel Calculator to determine the right system size, or the Solar Payback Calculator to estimate your break-even timeline.