Solar Quote Fair · Solar payback by state
In Maryland / DC, a well-sited residential solar system produces roughly 1,300 kWh per kW installed, per year. That single number drives everything else — savings, payback time, and whether a quote is fairly priced.
| System size | Typical yearly production | Fair cash price range (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | 7,800 kWh/yr | $15,000 – $21,000 |
| 8 kW | 10,400 kWh/yr | $20,000 – $28,000 |
| 10 kW | 13,000 kWh/yr | $25,000 – $35,000 |
Fair range uses the 2026 US cash benchmark of $2.50–$3.50 per watt (EnergySage / LBNL Tracking the Sun). The 30% federal residential tax credit expired on Dec 31, 2025, so 2026 quotes carry no federal credit — anyone still subtracting it is inflating your savings.
An 8 kW system in Maryland / DC produces about 10,400 kWh/year. At an illustrative electricity price of $0.20/kWh and full retail credit for exported power, that is roughly $2,080/year in bill savings. Against a mid-range fair price of $24,000 ($3.00/W), the simple payback is about 11.5 years — before panel degradation, rate increases, and your actual net-metering terms, which can move the real figure years in either direction.
Your own numbers will differ. Your roof angle and shading, your utility's buyback rate, and whether you pay cash or finance change the answer more than the state average does.
Enter the numbers from your actual quote — system size, price, financing, your usage and rate — and get a verdict, payback period, 25-year profit, and a red-flag checklist. The full Pro Report is a one-time $49.
Run the free check →Estimates from public benchmarks — not financial advice, and not a substitute for a site-specific engineering assessment. Production figures: NREL PVWatts-style yields as used in the Solar ROI Pro Report.