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Solar Panels by State

Real solar yield data (PVGIS), EIA electricity rates, and state incentives for all 50 states. Click your state to see city-level data and local FAQ.

1,400+

kWh/year average

A typical 8 kW system in the US produces 10,000–13,000 kWh/year — enough to fully power an average home.

7–9 yrs

typical payback period

High-sun states like Arizona hit payback in 5–6 years. Low-rate states like Louisiana may take 12+ years.

40+

states with incentives

State tax credits, utility rebates, and net metering programs vary widely. Your state page shows what applies to you.

Find Solar Data by ZIP Code

Enter your ZIP for solar yield, payback period, and the nearest city data.

How to Use This Data

Each state page shows real solar yield data from PVGIS satellite measurements combined with current EIA electricity rates. Payback periods are calculated using a standard 8 kW system at $2.80/watt installed cost — adjust for your actual quote.

The yield figure (kWh/kWp) tells you how much electricity one kilowatt of solar capacity produces in a year. Multiply by your system size to estimate annual output. Higher yield = faster payback, all else equal.

States are ranked by solar score — a composite of yield, electricity rate, and available incentives. Top-ranked states offer the fastest payback. Scroll down or click any state to see city-level detail.

3 cities tracked

TVA Generation Partners program

2 cities tracked

Renewable Energy Grant Program — high electricity costs drive strong ROI despite limited sun

9 cities tracked

25% state income tax credit (up to $1

4 cities tracked

Full retail net metering

26 cities tracked

SGIP battery rebate (up to $1

7 cities tracked

Xcel Solar*Rewards ($0.07–0.09/kWh × 15 yrs)

3 cities tracked

Residential Solar Investment Program

2 cities tracked

11 cities tracked

6% sales tax exemption

7 cities tracked

Full retail net metering

3 cities tracked

35% state tax credit (up to $5

4 cities tracked

40% deduction on solar costs from Idaho income tax

6 cities tracked

Illinois Shines SREC incentive

5 cities tracked

Sales tax exemption

4 cities tracked

Iowa Renewable Energy Tax Credit = 50% of federal ITC (up to $5

4 cities tracked

Full retail net metering

3 cities tracked

Full retail net metering

4 cities tracked

50% state tax credit (up to $12

2 cities tracked

Sales tax exemption

5 cities tracked

SREC market (strong)

4 cities tracked

SMART program ($0.10–0.20/kWh × 10 yrs)

6 cities tracked

Full retail net metering (DTE/Consumers)

5 cities tracked

Xcel Solar*Rewards rebate

3 cities tracked

Full retail net metering

4 cities tracked

Full retail net metering

3 cities tracked

Full retail net metering

3 cities tracked

Full retail net metering

6 cities tracked

Full retail net metering (reinstated 2017)

3 cities tracked

SREC-II program

4 cities tracked

TREC quarterly income ($90–110/MWh)

4 cities tracked

10% state income tax credit (up to $9

5 cities tracked

25% state tax credit (up to $5

7 cities tracked

Full retail net metering (Duke/Dominion/DEP)

2 cities tracked

Full retail net metering

7 cities tracked

3 cities tracked

Full retail net metering

5 cities tracked

Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate ($0.15–0.30/W)

6 cities tracked

2 cities tracked

Renewable Energy Growth (REG) program

3 cities tracked

25% state tax credit (up to $3

2 cities tracked

Full retail net metering

6 cities tracked

TVA Generation Partners buyback program

15 cities tracked

100% property tax exemption on added value

5 cities tracked

25% state tax credit (up to $400/year

2 cities tracked

6 cities tracked

6 cities tracked

10.4% sales tax exemption

2 cities tracked

Full retail net metering

4 cities tracked

Focus on Energy rebates ($500–1

3 cities tracked

Sales tax exemption on solar