Solar Payback Estimator
A quick, transparent estimate of how long a home solar system takes to pay for itself — plug in your numbers below to see the math.
Your System & Usage
Pick your state and we'll fill in its average residential electricity rate from EIA data. These are state averages, not your rate — utilities and rate plans vary widely within a state, so check a recent bill and correct the field before you rely on the result.
Total DC capacity of the panels being installed.
Rough 2026 national average before incentives — varies by installer, equipment, and region.
Your typical current bill — used to cap savings at what you actually spend.
Varies widely by state and utility — check a recent bill for your actual rate.
A rough stand-in for local sun exposure — actual production depends on your roof angle, shading, and climate.
Optional. Federal, state, and utility incentives change often — verify your eligibility and amounts separately.
Estimated Payback
roughly 10.1–13.7 years
- Gross system cost
- $20,800
- Net cost
- $20,800
- Est. annual production
- 11,200 kWh
- Est. annual savings
- $1,792
Not a quote or financial advice
Your entries are saved in this browser so they're here next time. Nothing is sent anywhere.
How This Estimate Works
- Gross cost = system size (watts) × cost per watt.
- Net cost = gross cost − any incentives you enter.
- Annual production = system size (kW) × your sun region's production factor.
- Annual savings = annual production × electricity rate, capped at your actual annual bill.
- Payback range = net cost ÷ annual savings, calculated at ±15% to reflect real-world uncertainty rather than a single falsely-precise number.
This tool is intentionally simple. It doesn't account for electricity rate inflation, panel degradation, financing costs, maintenance, or property value effects — all of which a real installer quote should address. Treat the result as a back-of-envelope starting point, not a substitute for actual quotes.
Guides that explain these numbers
- How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in 2026 — And When Do They Pay Off?Real 2026 solar pricing, what drives the cost per watt, and how to think about payback period for your home.Solar & Battery · 3 min read
- How to Vet a Solar Installer: Questions to Ask and Red Flags to AvoidYour solar installer matters more than your panel brand. Here are the questions to ask and the warning signs to walk away from.Solar & Battery · 3 min read
- Energy Arbitrage Explained: How Batteries Can Pay for Themselves Without SolarA home battery can earn its keep by buying cheap power and using it when power is expensive. Here's how energy arbitrage works — and when it's worth it.Solar & Battery · 3 min read
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