{
  "_meta": {
    "lastVerified": "2026-04-25",
    "sources": {
      "rates": "U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), residential electricity rates",
      "sunHours": "NREL National Solar Radiation Database (peak sun hours)",
      "costPerWatt": "Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Tracking the Sun + EnergySage Marketplace Reports",
      "incentives": "DSIRE (Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency) and state energy offices"
    },
    "disclaimer": "Estimates are approximations for educational purposes. Always verify rates, incentives, and net metering rules with your state energy office or a licensed installer before purchase."
  },
  "states": [
    {"name":"Alabama","abbr":"AL","slug":"alabama","avgRate":14.5,"sunHours":4.8,"avgCostPerWatt":2.85,"netMetering":"none","stateCredit":0,"stateCreditMax":0,"propertyTaxExempt":false,"salesTaxExempt":false,"avgSystemKW":11.5,"note":"No state-level solar incentives, but federal 30% credit still applies."},
    {"name":"Alaska","abbr":"AK","slug":"alaska","avgRate":23.5,"sunHours":3.0,"avgCostPerWatt":3.40,"netMetering":"partial","stateCredit":0,"stateCreditMax":0,"propertyTaxExempt":false,"salesTaxExempt":false,"avgSystemKW":9.5,"note":"Limited sun hours but high electricity rates; payback varies by region."},
    {"name":"Arizona","abbr":"AZ","slug":"arizona","avgRate":14.5,"sunHours":6.5,"avgCostPerWatt":2.55,"netMetering":"successor","stateCredit":0.25,"stateCreditMax":1000,"propertyTaxExempt":true,"salesTaxExempt":true,"avgSystemKW":11.0,"note":"Excellent sun resource; 25% state tax credit up to $1,000 plus property and sales tax exemptions."},
    {"name":"Arkansas","abbr":"AR","slug":"arkansas","avgRate":11.5,"sunHours":5.0,"avgCostPerWatt":2.80,"netMetering":"full","stateCredit":0,"stateCreditMax":0,"propertyTaxExempt":false,"salesTaxExempt":false,"avgSystemKW":12.0,"note":"Full retail net metering preserved through 2026."},
    {"name":"California","abbr":"CA","slug":"california","avgRate":30.5,"sunHours":5.5,"avgCostPerWatt":2.95,"netMetering":"successor","stateCredit":0,"stateCreditMax":0,"propertyTaxExempt":true,"salesTaxExempt":false,"avgSystemKW":7.5,"note":"Highest residential rates outside Hawaii; NEM 3.0 reduces export value, making batteries strongly recommended."},
    {"name":"Colorado","abbr":"CO","slug":"colorado","avgRate":14.5,"sunHours":5.5,"avgCostPerWatt":2.90,"netMetering":"full","stateCredit":0,"stateCreditMax":0,"propertyTaxExempt":true,"salesTaxExempt":true,"avgSystemKW":9.0,"note":"Strong sun + full net metering + property/sales tax exemption."},
    {"name":"Connecticut","abbr":"CT","slug":"connecticut","avgRate":27.5,"sunHours":4.3,"avgCostPerWatt":3.05,"netMetering":"successor","stateCredit":0,"stateCreditMax":0,"propertyTaxExempt":true,"salesTaxExempt":true,"avgSystemKW":9.5,"note":"Among the highest electric rates in the lower 48; payback often under 7 years."},
    {"name":"Delaware","abbr":"DE","slug":"delaware","avgRate":16.0,"sunHours":4.5,"avgCostPerWatt":2.95,"netMetering":"full","stateCredit":0,"stateCreditMax":0,"propertyTaxExempt":false,"salesTaxExempt":false,"avgSystemKW":10.0,"note":"Green Energy Program rebates available through Delmarva Power and DEMEC."},
    {"name":"Florida","abbr":"FL","slug":"florida","avgRate":14.0,"sunHours":5.5,"avgCostPerWatt":2.65,"netMetering":"partial","stateCredit":0,"stateCreditMax":0,"propertyTaxExempt":true,"salesTaxExempt":true,"avgSystemKW":11.0,"note":"Excellent sun and tax exemptions; net metering rules vary by utility post-2024 changes."},
    {"name":"Georgia","abbr":"GA","slug":"georgia","avgRate":13.5,"sunHours":4.8,"avgCostPerWatt":2.70,"netMetering":"partial","stateCredit":0,"stateCreditMax":0,"propertyTaxExempt":false,"salesTaxExempt":false,"avgSystemKW":11.5,"note":"Georgia Power offers limited net metering capacity; check enrollment status."},
    {"name":"Hawaii","abbr":"HI","slug":"hawaii","avgRate":41.0,"sunHours":5.5,"avgCostPerWatt":3.40,"netMetering":"successor","stateCredit":0.35,"stateCreditMax":5000,"propertyTaxExempt":false,"salesTaxExempt":false,"avgSystemKW":7.0,"note":"Highest electric rates in the U.S.; 35% state tax credit (max $5,000) makes payback among the fastest in the country."},
    {"name":"Idaho","abbr":"ID","slug":"idaho","avgRate":11.0,"sunHours":5.0,"avgCostPerWatt":2.85,"netMetering":"partial","stateCredit":0,"stateCreditMax":0,"propertyTaxExempt":false,"salesTaxExempt":false,"avgSystemKW":11.0,"note":"State income tax deduction up to $20,000 over 4 years for solar systems."},
    {"name":"Illinois","abbr":"IL","slug":"illinois","avgRate":15.5,"sunHours":4.2,"avgCostPerWatt":2.95,"netMetering":"full","stateCredit":0,"stateCreditMax":0,"propertyTaxExempt":true,"salesTaxExempt":false,"avgSystemKW":10.5,"note":"Illinois Shines SREC program adds significant value beyond bill savings."},
    {"name":"Indiana","abbr":"IN","slug":"indiana","avgRate":14.5,"sunHours":4.4,"avgCostPerWatt":2.80,"netMetering":"successor","stateCredit":0,"stateCreditMax":0,"propertyTaxExempt":true,"salesTaxExempt":false,"avgSystemKW":11.0,"note":"Net metering at retail rate phased out; current export credits reduce savings."},
    {"name":"Iowa","abbr":"IA","slug":"iowa","avgRate":13.5,"sunHours":4.5,"avgCostPerWatt":2.85,"netMetering":"full","stateCredit":0.15,"stateCreditMax":5000,"propertyTaxExempt":true,"salesTaxExempt":true,"avgSystemKW":11.5,"note":"15% state tax credit (capped fund — verify availability) plus full net metering."},
    {"name":"Kansas","abbr":"KS","slug":"kansas","avgRate":14.0,"sunHours":4.8,"avgCostPerWatt":2.85,"netMetering":"partial","stateCredit":0,"stateCreditMax":0,"propertyTaxExempt":true,"salesTaxExempt":false,"avgSystemKW":11.0,"note":"Property tax exemption helps; net metering caps differ by utility."},
    {"name":"Kentucky","abbr":"KY","slug":"kentucky","avgRate":12.0,"sunHours":4.4,"avgCostPerWatt":2.80,"netMetering":"successor","stateCredit":0,"stateCreditMax":0,"propertyTaxExempt":false,"salesTaxExempt":false,"avgSystemKW":12.0,"note":"Lower electric rates extend payback; net metering replaced by net billing in 2021."},
    {"name":"Louisiana","abbr":"LA","slug":"louisiana","avgRate":11.5,"sunHours":5.0,"avgCostPerWatt":2.85,"netMetering":"successor","stateCredit":0,"stateCreditMax":0,"propertyTaxExempt":false,"salesTaxExempt":false,"avgSystemKW":12.5,"note":"Tropical sun is offset by very low electric rates."},
    {"name":"Maine","abbr":"ME","slug":"maine","avgRate":22.5,"sunHours":4.2,"avgCostPerWatt":3.10,"netMetering":"full","stateCredit":0,"stateCreditMax":0,"propertyTaxExempt":true,"salesTaxExempt":false,"avgSystemKW":10.0,"note":"Full net metering and Efficiency Maine rebates available."},
    {"name":"Maryland","abbr":"MD","slug":"maryland","avgRate":17.0,"sunHours":4.4,"avgCostPerWatt":2.95,"netMetering":"full","stateCredit":0,"stateCreditMax":0,"propertyTaxExempt":true,"salesTaxExempt":true,"avgSystemKW":10.5,"note":"$1,000 state grant + active SREC market provide strong returns."},
    {"name":"Massachusetts","abbr":"MA","slug":"massachusetts","avgRate":26.5,"sunHours":4.3,"avgCostPerWatt":3.10,"netMetering":"full","stateCredit":0.15,"stateCreditMax":1000,"propertyTaxExempt":true,"salesTaxExempt":true,"avgSystemKW":9.0,"note":"15% state tax credit (max $1,000), SMART program payments, plus high rates = fast payback."},
    {"name":"Michigan","abbr":"MI","slug":"michigan","avgRate":17.5,"sunHours":4.0,"avgCostPerWatt":2.95,"netMetering":"successor","stateCredit":0,"stateCreditMax":0,"propertyTaxExempt":false,"salesTaxExempt":false,"avgSystemKW":11.0,"note":"Distributed generation tariff replaced retail net metering; export rate is below retail."},
    {"name":"Minnesota","abbr":"MN","slug":"minnesota","avgRate":14.5,"sunHours":4.2,"avgCostPerWatt":2.95,"netMetering":"full","stateCredit":0,"stateCreditMax":0,"propertyTaxExempt":true,"salesTaxExempt":true,"avgSystemKW":11.0,"note":"Solar*Rewards utility incentives plus full net metering for systems under 40 kW."},
    {"name":"Mississippi","abbr":"MS","slug":"mississippi","avgRate":13.0,"sunHours":5.0,"avgCostPerWatt":2.85,"netMetering":"successor","stateCredit":0,"stateCreditMax":0,"propertyTaxExempt":false,"salesTaxExempt":false,"avgSystemKW":12.0,"note":"Net metering replaced with avoided cost rates; payback longer than neighboring states."},
    {"name":"Missouri","abbr":"MO","slug":"missouri","avgRate":12.0,"sunHours":4.6,"avgCostPerWatt":2.85,"netMetering":"full","stateCredit":0,"stateCreditMax":0,"propertyTaxExempt":false,"salesTaxExempt":false,"avgSystemKW":11.5,"note":"Some utilities offer rebates ($0.25/W typical for Ameren and Evergy)."},
    {"name":"Montana","abbr":"MT","slug":"montana","avgRate":12.5,"sunHours":4.5,"avgCostPerWatt":2.95,"netMetering":"full","stateCredit":0,"stateCreditMax":1000,"propertyTaxExempt":true,"salesTaxExempt":true,"avgSystemKW":11.5,"note":"Up to $1,000 state credit plus property and sales tax exemptions."},
    {"name":"Nebraska","abbr":"NE","slug":"nebraska","avgRate":11.0,"sunHours":4.8,"avgCostPerWatt":2.90,"netMetering":"full","stateCredit":0,"stateCreditMax":0,"propertyTaxExempt":false,"salesTaxExempt":false,"avgSystemKW":12.0,"note":"All public power; net metering at retail rate up to 25 kW."},
    {"name":"Nevada","abbr":"NV","slug":"nevada","avgRate":14.0,"sunHours":6.4,"avgCostPerWatt":2.65,"netMetering":"successor","stateCredit":0,"stateCreditMax":0,"propertyTaxExempt":true,"salesTaxExempt":false,"avgSystemKW":11.0,"note":"Outstanding sun resource; net metering successor tariff at 75% of retail for current applicants."},
    {"name":"New Hampshire","abbr":"NH","slug":"new-hampshire","avgRate":22.0,"sunHours":4.2,"avgCostPerWatt":3.10,"netMetering":"full","stateCredit":0,"stateCreditMax":0,"propertyTaxExempt":true,"salesTaxExempt":true,"avgSystemKW":10.0,"note":"$0.20/W rebate from PUC up to $1,000 plus full net metering for systems under 100 kW."},
    {"name":"New Jersey","abbr":"NJ","slug":"new-jersey","avgRate":18.0,"sunHours":4.3,"avgCostPerWatt":3.00,"netMetering":"full","stateCredit":0,"stateCreditMax":0,"propertyTaxExempt":true,"salesTaxExempt":true,"avgSystemKW":10.0,"note":"SuSI Successor Solar Incentive program adds $85/MWh; among the most lucrative in the U.S."},
    {"name":"New Mexico","abbr":"NM","slug":"new-mexico","avgRate":14.5,"sunHours":6.5,"avgCostPerWatt":2.75,"netMetering":"full","stateCredit":0.10,"stateCreditMax":6000,"propertyTaxExempt":false,"salesTaxExempt":false,"avgSystemKW":10.5,"note":"10% state credit up to $6,000 plus excellent sun resource."},
    {"name":"New York","abbr":"NY","slug":"new-york","avgRate":21.0,"sunHours":4.2,"avgCostPerWatt":3.05,"netMetering":"full","stateCredit":0.25,"stateCreditMax":5000,"propertyTaxExempt":true,"salesTaxExempt":true,"avgSystemKW":9.5,"note":"25% state tax credit (max $5,000), NY-Sun rebates, and $5,000 income tax credit make NY one of the best solar states."},
    {"name":"North Carolina","abbr":"NC","slug":"north-carolina","avgRate":12.5,"sunHours":4.8,"avgCostPerWatt":2.75,"netMetering":"successor","stateCredit":0,"stateCreditMax":0,"propertyTaxExempt":true,"salesTaxExempt":false,"avgSystemKW":11.5,"note":"Duke Energy offers a $0.36/W rebate; net metering transitioned to bridge rate."},
    {"name":"North Dakota","abbr":"ND","slug":"north-dakota","avgRate":11.5,"sunHours":4.5,"avgCostPerWatt":2.95,"netMetering":"full","stateCredit":0,"stateCreditMax":0,"propertyTaxExempt":true,"salesTaxExempt":false,"avgSystemKW":12.5,"note":"Lower rates and limited incentives extend payback period."},
    {"name":"Ohio","abbr":"OH","slug":"ohio","avgRate":15.0,"sunHours":4.2,"avgCostPerWatt":2.85,"netMetering":"full","stateCredit":0,"stateCreditMax":0,"propertyTaxExempt":false,"salesTaxExempt":false,"avgSystemKW":11.0,"note":"SREC market and full net metering preserved."},
    {"name":"Oklahoma","abbr":"OK","slug":"oklahoma","avgRate":12.5,"sunHours":5.2,"avgCostPerWatt":2.80,"netMetering":"partial","stateCredit":0,"stateCreditMax":0,"propertyTaxExempt":false,"salesTaxExempt":false,"avgSystemKW":12.0,"note":"Excellent sun but limited net metering and lower electric rates extend payback."},
    {"name":"Oregon","abbr":"OR","slug":"oregon","avgRate":12.5,"sunHours":4.0,"avgCostPerWatt":2.95,"netMetering":"full","stateCredit":0,"stateCreditMax":0,"propertyTaxExempt":true,"salesTaxExempt":true,"avgSystemKW":10.5,"note":"Energy Trust of Oregon cash incentives plus property and sales tax exemptions."},
    {"name":"Pennsylvania","abbr":"PA","slug":"pennsylvania","avgRate":16.0,"sunHours":4.2,"avgCostPerWatt":2.95,"netMetering":"full","stateCredit":0,"stateCreditMax":0,"propertyTaxExempt":false,"salesTaxExempt":false,"avgSystemKW":10.5,"note":"Active SREC market and full net metering."},
    {"name":"Rhode Island","abbr":"RI","slug":"rhode-island","avgRate":24.5,"sunHours":4.3,"avgCostPerWatt":3.05,"netMetering":"full","stateCredit":0,"stateCreditMax":0,"propertyTaxExempt":true,"salesTaxExempt":true,"avgSystemKW":9.5,"note":"REG performance-based incentive plus full net metering."},
    {"name":"South Carolina","abbr":"SC","slug":"south-carolina","avgRate":13.5,"sunHours":4.7,"avgCostPerWatt":2.75,"netMetering":"successor","stateCredit":0.25,"stateCreditMax":3500,"propertyTaxExempt":false,"salesTaxExempt":false,"avgSystemKW":11.5,"note":"25% state credit up to $3,500 (over 10 years) is among the most generous in the Southeast."},
    {"name":"South Dakota","abbr":"SD","slug":"south-dakota","avgRate":12.0,"sunHours":4.6,"avgCostPerWatt":2.95,"netMetering":"none","stateCredit":0,"stateCreditMax":0,"propertyTaxExempt":true,"salesTaxExempt":false,"avgSystemKW":12.0,"note":"No statewide net metering mandate; check with your utility."},
    {"name":"Tennessee","abbr":"TN","slug":"tennessee","avgRate":12.5,"sunHours":4.6,"avgCostPerWatt":2.80,"netMetering":"none","stateCredit":0,"stateCreditMax":0,"propertyTaxExempt":false,"salesTaxExempt":false,"avgSystemKW":12.0,"note":"TVA Green Connect program offers limited interconnection but no net metering."},
    {"name":"Texas","abbr":"TX","slug":"texas","avgRate":14.0,"sunHours":5.0,"avgCostPerWatt":2.65,"netMetering":"none","stateCredit":0,"stateCreditMax":0,"propertyTaxExempt":true,"salesTaxExempt":false,"avgSystemKW":12.0,"note":"No statewide net metering, but property tax exemption and competitive retail providers offering buyback plans soften the impact."},
    {"name":"Utah","abbr":"UT","slug":"utah","avgRate":11.0,"sunHours":5.5,"avgCostPerWatt":2.70,"netMetering":"successor","stateCredit":0.25,"stateCreditMax":400,"propertyTaxExempt":false,"salesTaxExempt":false,"avgSystemKW":11.5,"note":"State credit phasing down (max $400 in 2026); successor rate well below retail."},
    {"name":"Vermont","abbr":"VT","slug":"vermont","avgRate":19.5,"sunHours":4.0,"avgCostPerWatt":3.05,"netMetering":"full","stateCredit":0,"stateCreditMax":0,"propertyTaxExempt":true,"salesTaxExempt":true,"avgSystemKW":10.0,"note":"$0.06/kWh adder for residential systems on top of full net metering."},
    {"name":"Virginia","abbr":"VA","slug":"virginia","avgRate":14.0,"sunHours":4.5,"avgCostPerWatt":2.85,"netMetering":"full","stateCredit":0,"stateCreditMax":0,"propertyTaxExempt":true,"salesTaxExempt":false,"avgSystemKW":11.0,"note":"Solar Freedom Act preserves net metering through aggregation and increased size limits."},
    {"name":"Washington","abbr":"WA","slug":"washington","avgRate":11.0,"sunHours":3.7,"avgCostPerWatt":2.90,"netMetering":"full","stateCredit":0,"stateCreditMax":0,"propertyTaxExempt":false,"salesTaxExempt":true,"avgSystemKW":11.0,"note":"Sales tax exemption and full net metering, but limited sun resource."},
    {"name":"West Virginia","abbr":"WV","slug":"west-virginia","avgRate":14.5,"sunHours":4.2,"avgCostPerWatt":2.95,"netMetering":"full","stateCredit":0,"stateCreditMax":0,"propertyTaxExempt":false,"salesTaxExempt":false,"avgSystemKW":11.0,"note":"Net metering preserved at retail rate for systems under 25 kW."},
    {"name":"Wisconsin","abbr":"WI","slug":"wisconsin","avgRate":15.5,"sunHours":4.2,"avgCostPerWatt":2.95,"netMetering":"full","stateCredit":0,"stateCreditMax":0,"propertyTaxExempt":true,"salesTaxExempt":true,"avgSystemKW":10.5,"note":"Focus on Energy rewards program offers up to $750; property and sales tax exempt."},
    {"name":"Wyoming","abbr":"WY","slug":"wyoming","avgRate":11.5,"sunHours":5.0,"avgCostPerWatt":2.95,"netMetering":"full","stateCredit":0,"stateCreditMax":0,"propertyTaxExempt":false,"salesTaxExempt":false,"avgSystemKW":12.0,"note":"Full net metering at retail rate for systems under 25 kW."},
    {"name":"District of Columbia","abbr":"DC","slug":"district-of-columbia","avgRate":17.5,"sunHours":4.4,"avgCostPerWatt":3.05,"netMetering":"full","stateCredit":0,"stateCreditMax":0,"propertyTaxExempt":true,"salesTaxExempt":true,"avgSystemKW":8.5,"note":"DC has one of the most valuable SREC markets in the country, often $300+ per MWh."}
  ]
}