- Savings = energy you use from the kit × your electricity price. Sun and price matter equally.
- An 800 W kit saves roughly $80-150 a year in cheap-power states and $150-300+ in expensive ones.
- Hawaii, California and Connecticut top the list; Utah and the Pacific Northwest trail.
- Mounting and self-consumption can swing results by 40% or more.
Nationwide averages hide huge differences. Here is a state-by-state estimate for a typical setup.
In this article
Assumptions
- 800 W kit, vertical on a south-facing railing, light shade (0.72 × 0.85 of ideal yield).
- 75% self-consumption, no credit for exports.
- Approximate 2026 residential electricity prices (they vary by utility and plan).
Estimated savings by state
| State | Est. kWh/yr | Price ($/kWh) | Est. savings/yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | ~730 | ~0.42 | ~$230 |
| California | ~760 | ~0.33 | ~$190 |
| Connecticut | ~590 | ~0.30 | ~$130 |
| New York | ~590 | ~0.26 | ~$115 |
| New Hampshire / Maine / Vermont | ~590 | ~0.24-0.27 | ~$105-120 |
| New Jersey | ~640 | ~0.20 | ~$95 |
| Maryland | ~640 | ~0.19 | ~$90 |
| Virginia | ~640 | ~0.16 | ~$75 |
| Colorado | ~780 | ~0.16 | ~$95 |
| Utah | ~780 | ~0.13 | ~$75 |
Our estimates using typical regional yields; not a quote. Trackers using tilted panels and higher self-consumption report larger figures (for example about $355 in California and $254 in Connecticut). Your bill, rate plan and placement decide the real number.
How to beat these numbers
- Tilt the panels. A 30° tilt in a yard or on a flat roof can add 30-40% over vertical.
- Use more of what you make. Run appliances at midday. See self-consumption.
- Avoid shade. Shade guide.
- Check your real price. Divide your total bill by kWh used; delivery charges often push the true price above the headline rate.
Your own estimate
Use the savings calculator with your region, mounting and price. For payback analysis, read is balcony solar worth it?
Worked example: turn the table into your number
- Find your specific yield (for example 1,300 kWh/kW in Maryland). Yield table.
- Multiply by your kit size in kW: 0.8 × 1,300 = 1,040 kWh (ideal tilt).
- Apply mounting and shade: vertical 0.72, light shade 0.85 → about 640 kWh.
- Apply self-consumption: 75% → 480 kWh used at home.
- Multiply by your real price: 480 × $0.19 ≈ $91 a year.
Savings outside the US
| Country | Typical 800 W output (vertical) | Price | Savings at 75% self-use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | ~580 kWh | ~€0.35 | ~€150 |
| UK (southern England) | ~580 kWh | ~£0.25 | ~£110 |
| Netherlands | ~550 kWh | ~€0.28 | ~€115 |
| Spain | ~890 kWh | ~€0.22 | ~€145 |
Rough estimates without shade. Local tariffs vary; see UK savings.
What savings don’t include
- Fixed charges such as standing or customer charges stay the same.
- Replacement costs: a microinverter may need replacing after its warranty period.
- Your time for installation and paperwork.
- Price changes: higher future electricity prices increase savings; lower prices reduce them.
Frequently asked questions
Why do other sites quote much higher savings?
They often assume tilted panels, no shade and near-100% self-consumption. Those conditions exist, but many balconies don’t match them.
Will savings rise over time?
If electricity prices rise, yes. Panel output declines slowly (about 0.3-0.5% a year), which partly offsets that.
Does my bill show the savings?
Your bill shows fewer kWh bought. Compare the same month year over year, since weather and habits change consumption.