Solar By State

Different geographical locations present different opportunities for solar power, and it's important to plan carefully with these in mind.

Differences in average solar intensity

The most obvious difference between states is the amount and intensity of sunlight they receive. Sunny states with long, cloudless days are among the brightest, with California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas at the top of the list. But Florida, the Deep South, and parts of the midwest aren't far behind.

Obviously solar intensity varies within each state, especially in large states such as California. Your local specialist supplier will be able to give a realistic estimate of solar power output for your precise location.

Differences in average installation cost

Just as importantly, the average installation cost varies substantially from state to state. This factor is often neglected, which is a mistake, as it has a significant impact on the affordability of solar in many parts of the U.S. Arizona leads the pack here, with Texas and Florida not far behind. But many other states, including the sunny hot-spots of Nevada, North Carolina, California, and Oklahoma also benefit from great value solar installation services.

Arizona$2,070
Texas$2,160
Florida$2,200
Delaware$2,240
Nevada$2,250
North Carolina$2,340
California$2,370
Oklahoma$2,370
Georgia$2,450
Arkansas$2,470
South Carolina$2,510
Missouri$2,580
Louisiana$2,610
Kentucky$2,630
Pennsylvania$2,640
Montana$2,650
Maryland$2,660
Mississippi$2,670
Washington$2,680
Oregon$2,700
Virginia$2,740
New Jersey$2,760
Connecticut$2,770
New York$2,780
Idaho$2,790
Ohio$2,790
New Mexico$2,820
Kansas$2,830
Indiana$2,840
Colorado$2,850
Maine$2,940
Vermont$2,940
Alabama$2,960
Washington D.C.$2,990
Illinois$3,020
Tennessee$3,020
Rhode Island$3,040
Michigan$3,050
New Hampshire$3,060
Wisconsin$3,080
Iowa$3,090
Massachusetts$3,090
West Virginia$3,100
Hawaii$3,240
Minnesota$3,250

The SunWise calculator automatically takes account of the average local installation cost and the average solar intensity to give you the most accurate possible estimate of your solar savings.

Of course, what really matters is not the average price that everyone else pays, but the actual price you pay. Use the free SunWise calculator to get an estimate, and then click the links to find your local trusted supplier and get a tailored quote for your home.

Differences in state incentives

The final significant geographical difference has to do with state incentives. Depending on where you live, you may be eligible for tax breaks, property tax exemptions, sales tax rebates, cash-back programs, or other financial incentives that bring down the installation cost still further.

These factors depend not only on your state, but also on your county or even your local municipality, and it's therefore not feasible for the SunWise calculator to take account of these automatically. However, if you know about local incentives you can enter the relevant amount manually into the calculator. Crucially, your local installer will be able to give you accurate and up-to-date information.

Estimate your savings using the free SunWise solar calculator, or click the name of your state below to find out more about solar where you live.

Calculate your savings

Select Your State

If your state isn't listed, then solar power can still work for you.

Follow the links below to our trusted national partners, and they'll be able to advise you about the best way forward.

Couple looking at solar power options on laptop