☀️ Peak sun hours in the United States
Peak sun hours (PSH) vary more in the US than almost anywhere, from the sun-drenched Southwest to the cloudy Pacific Northwest. The national average is roughly 4–5 PSH, but the Southwest is much higher.
| Region | Approx. peak sun hours (annual avg) |
|---|---|
| Southwest (Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico) | ~6.0 – 7.0 |
| California | ~5.5 – 6.5 |
| Texas & the South | ~4.5 – 5.5 |
| Midwest & Mid-Atlantic | ~4.0 – 4.5 |
| Northeast & Pacific Northwest | ~3.5 – 4.5 |
Use your local figure in the solar panel calculator and the energy production calculator. Background: peak sun hours by location.
⚡ Electricity prices in the United States
US residential electricity averages roughly 16–17 cents per kWh nationally, but the spread is huge: some central states are near 11–13 c/kWh, while California, the Northeast and Hawaii can be 30–45 c/kWh. The higher your rate, the more each solar kWh is worth — so solar pays back fastest in expensive, sunny states like California and Arizona.
💸 Incentives & net metering
The big one is the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) — currently 30% of the system cost as a tax credit. On top of that, many states offer net metering (you're credited for exported energy) plus local rebates and SRECs. Net-metering rules vary a lot by state and utility, and some states have shifted to lower "net billing" rates, so check your utility's current policy.
💰 System cost & payback in the United States
Typical installed prices are around $2.50–$3.50 per watt before incentives. After the 30% federal credit the net cost drops sharply:
| System size | Approx. cost | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | ~$15,000–21,000 gross · ~$10,500–14,700 after 30% credit | Typical home |
| 8 kW | ~$20,000–28,000 gross · ~$14,000–19,600 after credit | Larger home |
| 10 kW | ~$25,000–35,000 gross · ~$17,500–24,500 after credit | Large home / high usage |
Work out your own numbers with the ROI calculator and the bill savings calculator, or design the whole system with the system report builder.
💡 Local insight: USA
The single biggest factor in US payback is your state. Sunny, high-tariff states (California, Arizona, Massachusetts) often pay back in 6–8 years, while cloudy, cheap-power states can take 10+ years. Always model your own utility rate and the current net-metering rules before buying.
🧰 Solar tools
Plan your system with these:
- Solar panel calculator — how many panels for your usage and sun hours.
- Solar bill savings calculator — how much you'll save.
- ROI calculator — payback period.
- Battery calculator — if you want backup.
- Full system report — design the whole system in one page.
Related reading: how many panels to run a house, grid-tied vs off-grid vs hybrid, and do solar panels work in winter.
❓ Frequently asked questions
How many peak sun hours does the USA get?
It varies widely by region: about 6–7 in the Southwest (Arizona, Nevada), 5.5–6.5 in California, 4.5–5.5 in the South, and 3.5–4.5 in the Northeast and Pacific Northwest. The national average is roughly 4–5.
Is solar worth it in the USA?
For most homeowners with the 30% federal tax credit and net metering, yes. Payback is typically 6–10 years, and fastest in sunny, high-electricity-price states like California and Arizona.
Does the USA have a solar tax credit?
Yes. The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is currently 30% of the system cost, claimed on your federal taxes. Many states add net metering, rebates or SRECs on top.
How much does a solar system cost in the USA?
Around $2.50–$3.50 per watt before incentives, so a 6 kW system is roughly $15,000–$21,000 gross, or about $10,500–$14,700 after the 30% federal credit.
Note: US electricity prices, the federal tax credit and state net-metering rules change over time and vary by state and utility. These figures are approximate, for planning only — verify with your utility and a local installer.