Is Solar Worth It for Your Home?
Stop guessing. We analyze official NREL satellite data for your exact location to reveal true savings, payback periods, and investment potential.
ZIP Codes Analyzed
6,628
Avg. Annual Savings
$1,465
Top Location Saves
$3,301
Avg. Sun Hours
5.43
Data sourced from NREL PVWatts® & NSRDB
More Than Just a Database
We transform raw government satellite data into actionable intelligence that helps you make confident solar decisions.
Hyperlocal Precision
We don't give state averages. We analyze every single ZIP code using exact latitude/longitude coordinates from NREL's 4km resolution satellite grid. Your neighbor across town might have different solar potential than you.
Financial Translation
Raw irradiance data means nothing to most homeowners. We translate kWh/m²/day into dollars saved, payback periods, and 25-year profit projections using current electricity rates from the EIA.
Incentive Intelligence
We track federal, state, and local incentives for every location. The 30% federal ITC is just the beginning—many states offer additional rebates, tax exemptions, and net metering policies worth thousands.
Highest Solar Potential in America
These locations receive the most intense and consistent sunlight, making them ideal for maximum energy production.
Edwards
CA • 93523
Morongo Valley
CA • 92256
Red Mountain
CA • 93558
Yucca Valley
CA • 92284
Joshua Tree
CA • 92252
Landers
CA • 92285
San Luis
AZ • 85349
Borrego Springs
CA • 92004
☀️ Understanding Solar Irradiance: The Key to Your Savings
Solar irradiance, measured in peak sun hours per day, is the single most important factor determining how much electricity your solar panels will produce. This metric represents the equivalent number of hours where sunlight intensity reaches 1,000 watts per square meter—the standard testing condition for solar panels.
The American Southwest dominates our top rankings for a reason. Cities like Yuma, Arizona and Las Vegas, Nevada enjoy over 6.0 peak sun hours daily, compared to the national average of approximately 5.43 hours. This 30-40% difference in solar resource directly translates to proportionally higher energy production and faster payback periods.
However, high irradiance isn't everything. Electricity prices, state incentives, and net metering policies also play crucial roles. A location with moderate sun but high electricity costs (like Hawaii or Massachusetts) can actually deliver better financial returns than a sunny state with cheap power.
Maximum Energy Production
Where solar systems generate the most kilowatt-hours annually, maximizing your return on investment.
Forest Falls
CA • 92339
Valyermo
CA • 93563
Idyllwild
CA • 92549
Wrightwood
CA • 92397
Edwards
CA • 93523
Red Mountain
CA • 93558
Lytle Creek
CA • 92358
Morongo Valley
CA • 92256
🔧 How to Choose a Solar Installer
Selecting the right installer is critical. A poor installation can reduce production by 10-20% and void equipment warranties. Here's what industry experts recommend:
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NABCEP Certification
The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners certification proves competency through rigorous testing. Only 3% of installers hold this credential.
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Local Track Record
Ask for references from projects in your county. Local installers understand permit requirements, utility interconnection, and regional weather patterns.
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Itemized Quotes
Demand detailed breakdowns showing equipment costs, labor, permits, monitoring, and any fees. Avoid lump-sum quotes that hide margins.
💡 Pro Tip: The "3 Quote Rule"
Never accept the first quote you receive. Industry data shows that homeowners who collect at least three quotes save an average of $5,000-$10,000 on their installations.
Solar prices have dropped dramatically, but some companies haven't adjusted. The difference between the highest and lowest quote for identical equipment can exceed 40%.
National Average (2026)
Best Financial Returns
Where the combination of sun, electricity prices, and incentives creates the strongest investment case.
Forest Falls
CA • 92339
Valyermo
CA • 93563
Idyllwild
CA • 92549
Wrightwood
CA • 92397
Edwards
CA • 93523
Red Mountain
CA • 93558
Lytle Creek
CA • 92358
Morongo Valley
CA • 92256
🏦 The Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC) Explained
The Investment Tax Credit is the most valuable solar incentive in America—worth thousands.
How It Works
The ITC allows you to deduct 30% of your total solar system cost directly from your federal income taxes. This isn't a deduction—it's a dollar-for-dollar credit.
For a $20,000 system, that's $6,000 back. The credit applies to panels, inverters, batteries, installation labor, and even roof repairs required for installation.
The Inflation Reduction Act locked in 30% through 2032. It then steps down to 26% in 2033 and 22% in 2034. Acting sooner maximizes your benefit.
Key Requirements
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You must own the system (not lease)
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System must be new (not used)
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You must owe federal taxes (credits roll forward)
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Primary or secondary residence (rentals have limitations)
State-by-State Solar Rankings
We analyzed 6,628 ZIP codes to rank all 5 states by solar potential.
How We Calculate Your Solar Potential
Transparency is our priority. Every estimate is backed by government data and industry-standard formulas.
Data Sources
Solar irradiance from NREL's National Solar Radiation Database (30-year satellite measurements)
Production estimates via PVWatts® Calculator (DOE standard)
Electricity rates from U.S. Energy Information Administration
Our Method
Solar Irradiance
Daily peak sun hours → Location energy potential
AC Annual Output
Expected kWh accounting for real-world losses
Financial Metrics
Savings, payback, and ROI projections
Assumptions
5 kW
System Size
South
Orientation
14%
System Losses
30%
Federal ITC
$2.85/W
Installation Cost Average
Want a Personalized Estimate?
Use our advanced calculator to adjust system size, roof orientation, financing options, and get your custom 25-year projection.
Your actual results may vary based on roof orientation, shading, equipment quality, and local factors. For precise estimates, we recommend consulting with local NABCEP-certified installers.
Solar Insights & Guides
Expert analysis to help you make informed decisions.
Federal Solar Tax Credit 2026
Everything about the 30% ITC: eligibility, calculation, and how to claim it.
Is Solar Worth It in California?
NEM 3.0 analysis: What changed and does solar still make sense?
Hidden Costs of Solar
Inverters, maintenance, and expenses the salespeople don't mention.