SolarTruth Solar Calculator by Bethel

SolarTruth gives you an independent second opinion on any solar quote — before you sign anything.

Most solar calculators are built by installers trying to close a sale. SolarTruth is built by an independent structural engineering researcher using government-validated physics models and real utility rate data.

WHAT YOU GET:

Solar Estimate — Enter your ZIP code and monthly electricity bill. Get system size, annual production, payback period, year 1 savings, 25-year return, and the complete incentive stack including the federal ITC.

Verify a Quote — Enter the production figure from any installer quote. Get an independent production estimate and find out whether the quote is accurate, conservative, or overstated. Catches NEM 3.0 errors that cost California homeowners thousands.

EV + Solar — Adding an EV changes your solar system size significantly. This calculator shows exactly how many extra panels you need and how much you save charging on solar vs grid power.

Roof Timing — Panel removal and reinstallation costs $8,000–$12,000 and is almost never mentioned in installer quotes. This tool shows your true payback including reroof costs.

SITE ALERTS — When you visit a solar installer website, SolarTruth shows a banner letting you run an independent check before signing.

DATA AND ACCURACY:
- Physics-based calculation engine validated against US government benchmarks
- Real utility rate data from EIA Form 861 (2023)
- NEM 3.0 correctly modelled for California post-April 2023
- All 50 US states covered
- Federal ITC and state incentive stack

No account required. No installer affiliation. No spam.