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US Solar Capacity279 GW+18% YoY
US Wind Capacity161 GW+5% YoY
Residential ITC (Sec. 25D)Expired12/31/2025
Global Renewables Share33.8%+1.7pp YoY
US Grid Carbon384 g/kWh-2.3% YoY
100% Renewable Countries7ALB BTN ETH ISL NPL PRY COD
US Solar Capacity279 GW+18% YoY
US Wind Capacity161 GW+5% YoY
Residential ITC (Sec. 25D)Expired12/31/2025
Global Renewables Share33.8%+1.7pp YoY
US Grid Carbon384 g/kWh-2.3% YoY
100% Renewable Countries7ALB BTN ETH ISL NPL PRY COD
GridBasics
Energy, made simple
← Myth EngineTopic · solar
Verdict · False

"Solar doesn't generate enough energy to pay for itself."

The Data

Here's what it actually shows.

Energy Payback Time (modern Si panel)
1–3 years
Source · NREL
Typical panel warranty
25–30 years at ≥85% output
Source · SEIA
Financial payback (cash purchase, avg. US)
~7–12 years (≈9 yr post-25D)
Source · EnergySage 2025
Net lifetime savings (avg. 25-yr system)
$20,000–45,000
Source · EnergySage
Sources

Go read the receipts.

Related

Other myths in solar

Verdict · False

"Solar panels don't work in cloudy or cold states."

Verdict · Mostly False

"Solar panels are full of toxic chemicals."