Simple PV Payback Analysis
Already have solar? Find out how long until your system pays for itself.
Your Information
Average rate: $0.165/kWh
$/year
Estimated consumption: 10,922 kWh/year
$
$
Default: 30% of system cost ($5,400). Enter 0 if you didn't claim it.
$/year
Enter a negative number if you receive net metering credits (e.g., -$200)
Your Results
Simple Payback Period
7.9 years
Good payback period for residential solar.
What you would pay without solar
$1,800/yr
What you pay now
$200/yr
Annual Savings
$1,600/yr
Net System Cost
$12,600
$18,000 - $5,400 credit
25-Year Projection
Total Savings
$54,652
Net Profit
$42,052
Return on Investment
334%
* Assumes 2.5% annual electricity rate increase and 25-year system life
How this works
- We calculate your avoided cost: what you would pay without solar (including EV if added) minus what you actually pay now.
- Simple payback = your net system cost ÷ annual savings.
- Long-term projections assume electricity rates increase 2.5% per year (historical average).
- This is a simplified analysis—actual results depend on net metering policies, rate structures, and system performance.