Solar Panel Reality Check
See the real payback period for solar panels. Honest savings estimate beyond the sales pitch.
Solar installers promise incredible savings, but what's the reality? This calculator shows you actual payback periods based on your situation — not best-case marketing scenarios. Enter your system cost (after rebates), electricity rate, and realistic production estimates. See when you'll actually break even. A $15,000 system saving $1,200/year takes 12.5 years to pay back. That's still good if you stay in the house long enough, but it's not the 5-year payback some salespeople promise. Make the decision with real numbers.
Calculator
Common use cases
- Cutting through solar sales pitches
- Understanding realistic payback periods
- Comparing solar investment to other options
- Making informed solar purchase decisions
How to use
- Enter proposed system size in kW
- Input system cost after rebates
- Add your electricity rate
- Estimate sun hours and self-consumption
- View savings and payback
FAQ
What's self-consumption rate?
The percentage of solar energy you use directly vs. export to grid. Higher rates = better savings.
How do I find peak sun hours?
It varies by location. Use solar calculators or local data. US averages 4-6 hours; Australia 4-7 hours.
What about battery storage?
Batteries increase self-consumption but add cost. They make sense when feed-in rates are low or for backup power.
Why do installers quote shorter payback?
They often assume best-case scenarios, rate increases, and full self-consumption. Reality usually takes longer.
This calculator provides illustrative estimates for planning purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice.