Solar ROI Decision Worksheet (Printable)
A one-page solar ROI decision worksheet that records your input parameters next to the calculated results — annual production, annual savings, payback period, break-even milestones, and 25-year net profit — plus a GO / NO-GO / MORE QUOTES decision and signature lines. Every result is computed automatically from the same 2026 state dataset used across PVFig, so the numbers match the site's Solar ROI Calculator exactly.
Example — Massachusetts, 6 kW
At the Massachusetts state average rate (30.15¢/kWh) and cost ($3.10/W), a 6 kW system producing about 7,812 kWh/yr saves roughly $2,589.68 per year. Estimated payback is 6.8 years, and the 25-year net profit is about $68,485 — before federal credit (expired) and after a conservative state-incentive offset. Your real quote will differ; fill in your own numbers below.
Enter your numbers
Results are calculated instantly with the same 2026 state data used across PVFig (EIA rates, NREL PVWatts production, DSIRE incentives). Leave rate or cost blank to use the Massachusetts default.
The federal residential solar credit (Section 25D, 30%) expired December 31, 2025 — it does not apply to 2026 installations. Net cost below reflects a conservative ~5% average state-incentive offset only.
Solar ROI Decision Worksheet
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| State | Massachusetts | User / PVFig state data |
| System size | 6 kW DC | Installer quote / user |
| Installed cost | $3.10 / W ($18,600 gross) | User input |
| Annual electricity usage | 10,500 kWh/yr | Utility bill |
| Electricity rate | 30.15 ¢/kWh | User input |
| Net metering | Full retail (1:1) | DSIRE / state tariff |
| Self-consumption share | 70% | Assumption |
| Estimated annual production | 7,812 kWh/yr | NREL PVWatts v8 × system size |
| Current annual electricity bill | $3,166 | Usage × rate |
| Estimated annual savings | $2,590 | Offset + export + SREC |
| Gross system cost | $18,600 | kW × 1000 × $/W |
| Net cost (after est. state incentives) | $17,670 | Gross × 0.95, no federal ITC (expired 2025) |
| Payback period | 6.8 years (6 yr 10 mo) | Net cost ÷ annual savings |
| 25-year total savings | $86,155 | 3% rate escalation, 0.5% degradation |
| 25-year net profit | $68,485 | Savings − net cost |
| Approx. 25-year IRR | 0.07% | From 25-yr cumulative cash flow |
| Overall assessment | FAVORABLE | Payback ≤9 / ≤13 / >13 yr |
| Year | Annual savings ($) | Cumulative savings ($) | Status vs net cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | $2,833 | $-4,122 | below net cost |
| 10 | $3,172 | $11,043 | ≥ net cost — past break-even |
| 15 | $3,556 | $28,035 | ≥ net cost — past break-even |
| 20 | $3,989 | $47,092 | ≥ net cost — past break-even |
| 25 | $4,480 | $68,485 | ≥ net cost — past break-even |
| Notes: |
| Homeowner signature | Solar installer / advisor |
Estimates only — not a quote, tax advice, or financial advice. Assumes 3%/yr rate escalation, 0.5%/yr panel degradation, and the self-consumption share above. Data: EIA (rates), NREL PVWatts v8 (production), DSIRE (incentives), LBNL (cost), retrieved 2026-08-11. Federal residential ITC (Section 25D, 30%) expired December 31, 2025. Verify with your utility and a licensed installer before signing.
Prints on US Letter size. Compare with the Solar ROI Calculator or the Is Solar Worth It? quiz for a second opinion.