Cost & Permit Tool

DIY Solar Cost & Permit Complexity Estimator

See your real DIY solar costs, including permits and interconnection, and compare them against professional installation quotes.

Your Details

kW

Enter your ZIP code and system size above, then click "Estimate My Costs" to see your permit complexity and full cost breakdown.

Disclaimer: Estimates are based on national averages and state-level permit complexity models. Actual costs vary by municipality. Permit data from NREL and DSIRE models. Verify with your local AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) before purchasing equipment.

For detailed incentive and policy information by state, visit the DSIRE Database.

Written & reviewed by

EnergyTools Research Team — Solar Energy Research Group

The EnergyTools Research Team compiles and verifies residential solar data from NREL, EPA, and state utility commissions. Methodology is reviewed quarterly.

  • Source data: NREL PVWatts V8 + Utility Rates V3 APIs
  • Source data: EPA FuelEconomy.gov vehicle efficiency data
  • Methodology reviewed quarterly

Methodology & data sources:NREL PVWatts, EPA FuelEconomy.gov, state utility commissions— updated 2026.