☀️ Solar Panel Payback Calculator
Find out how long a rooftop solar system takes to pay for itself and how much it can save over 25 years. Enter your real quote and your utility rate for the most accurate estimate.
Result
Estimates only. Results depend on your inputs and are not financial, tax or legal advice.
How this is calculated
Annual production is system size × yield per kW. Electricity you use yourself saves the full retail rate; surplus earns the export credit. Savings grow each year with the price increase you enter, and the payback year is when cumulative savings exceed the system cost.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good solar payback period?
In much of the US, 6–10 years is typical. Sunny states with high electricity rates pay back faster; low-rate states with weak net metering take longer.
Does the federal tax credit still apply?
The federal residential clean energy credit ended for systems installed after 2025, so enter your cost after any state or utility incentives that are still available to you.