Is Your House Good for Solar?
Enter your address to find out if solar panels make sense for your home. We analyze your roof size, orientation, and local sun data to estimate panel capacity and yearly savings.
Solar Potential Check
See if your roof is a good fit for solar panels
Most US homes are good candidates for solar. The best roofs face south with minimal shade, have 400+ sq ft of usable space, and get 4+ hours of direct sunlight. A typical 6 kW system costs $12,000–$18,000 before the 30% federal tax credit, saves $1,200–$2,400/year on electricity, and pays for itself in 6–10 years. Enter your address above for a personalized assessment based on your actual roof.
What Makes a House Good for Solar?
Six factors determine how well solar panels will perform on your home.
Roof Size
You need at least 300–400 sq ft of unobstructed roof space for a worthwhile system. Each panel requires about 18 sq ft.
Sun Exposure
Panels need 4+ hours of direct sunlight daily. South-facing roofs in the US get the most sun year-round.
Roof Pitch
The ideal pitch is 15–40 degrees. Steeper or flatter roofs still work but produce 10–20% less energy.
Shade
Trees, chimneys, and neighboring buildings cast shadows that reduce output. Microinverters can help with partial shade.
Roof Condition
Your roof should have 15+ years of life left. If it needs replacement soon, replace first — removing and reinstalling panels costs $2,000–$5,000.
Electric Bill
Solar makes the most financial sense if you spend $100+/month on electricity. Higher bills mean faster payback and bigger lifetime savings.
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in 2026?
The average cost of a residential solar installation in 2026 is $2.50–$3.50 per watt before incentives. For a typical 6 kW system, that’s $15,000–$21,000 before the federal tax credit.
| System Size | Before Tax Credit | After 30% ITC | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 kW | $10,000 – $14,000 | $7,000 – $9,800 | Small homes, low usage |
| 6 kW | $15,000 – $21,000 | $10,500 – $14,700 | Average US home |
| 8 kW | $20,000 – $28,000 | $14,000 – $19,600 | Larger homes, EV charging |
| 10 kW | $25,000 – $35,000 | $17,500 – $24,500 | High usage, full offset |
| 12 kW | $30,000 – $42,000 | $21,000 – $29,400 | Large homes, battery backup |
The 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) applies through 2032, then steps down to 26% in 2033 and 22% in 2034. This is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in your federal tax bill, not just a deduction.
How Long Until Solar Pays for Itself?
The typical payback period is 6–10 years, depending on your location, electricity rates, and system size. After payback, you’re generating free electricity for the remaining 15–19 years of your panel warranty (most panels are warrantied for 25 years).
| Monthly Electric Bill | Annual Savings | Approx. Payback (after ITC) |
|---|---|---|
| $100/mo | $1,000 – $1,200 | 9 – 11 years |
| $150/mo | $1,400 – $1,800 | 7 – 9 years |
| $200/mo | $1,800 – $2,400 | 5 – 7 years |
| $300+/mo | $2,800 – $3,600 | 4 – 6 years |
These estimates assume a south-facing roof, net metering availability, and average sun exposure. Your actual payback depends on your specific roof and local utility rates.
Should I Replace My Roof Before Going Solar?
If your roof is older than 15 years or has existing damage, replace it first. Removing panels to redo the roof later costs $2,000–$5,000. Use our roof age tool to check how much life your roof has left, or get a free property report with an AI-powered condition assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you determine if my house is good for solar?
We use Google Solar API satellite data to measure your roof area, pitch, and segment layout. Combined with your location’s average sun hours and your electricity bill, we calculate estimated panel capacity, yearly energy production, and projected savings. The assessment is based on your actual roof, not generic averages.
Do I need a south-facing roof for solar?
South-facing is ideal in the US, but east and west-facing roofs still produce 80–85% as much energy. Even north-facing roofs can work in southern states. Modern panel efficiency and microinverters have made orientation less critical than it was a decade ago.
What is the 30% federal solar tax credit?
The Investment Tax Credit (ITC) lets you deduct 30% of your total solar installation cost from your federal taxes. For a $18,000 system, that’s a $5,400 credit. It applies through 2032 with no income cap or maximum amount. You must own (not lease) the system to qualify.
How much roof space do I need for solar panels?
Each standard 400W panel needs about 18 square feet. A typical 6 kW system (15 panels) requires roughly 270 sq ft. You’ll want at least 300–400 sq ft of unobstructed roof space to allow for spacing, vents, and setback requirements. Our tool uses your actual roof measurements to calculate capacity.
What happens on cloudy days or at night?
Solar panels produce less on cloudy days (10–25% of normal output) and nothing at night. With net metering, your excess daytime production earns credits that offset nighttime grid usage. Alternatively, a battery system ($10,000–$15,000) stores energy for nighttime use and provides backup during outages.
Is solar worth it if I plan to sell my home?
Yes. Studies show solar panels increase home value by 3–4% on average. A 6 kW system typically adds $15,000–$20,000 to resale value. Buyers are willing to pay more for lower electricity costs. Owned systems (not leased) add the most value.
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Satellite imagery, AI condition scores, detailed roof measurements, and cost estimates for roof, solar, gutters, and paint. Free.
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