Is Solar Air Conditioning Worth It? 2026 ROI Analysis

Calculate your estimated annual cooling savings, payback period, NPV, and IRR using the same calculator model.

Your Current Unit

Q1: Existing unit size (tons)

2.5

BTU: 30k

Q2: Existing unit SEER

Q3: State

Energy rate ($/kWh)

Q4: Cooling run hours per year

Q5: How cold in summer?

1.00

0.85 = Sweaty, 1.20 = Icy

Q6: Home insulation factor

1.00

0.85 = Well-blanketed, 1.15 = Drafty

Q7: How often are you home?

1.00

0.75 = Often away, 1.15 = Homebody

Thermostat set-back with Airspool (degrees)

% usage in late/early hours (inverse daylight)

65%

Auto daylight share: 65%

% cooling-season daylight hours that are sunny

78.0%

Unit to purchase

Airspool MS12 ($1,995)

Solar panel + mounting hardware cost

$1,000

Installation cost

$700

Discount rate (%)

7.50%

What's it worth? (soft justifier values)

For calculation method details, see the supporting article.