Solar payback calculator
Before you install, see how many years the savings take to cover the system cost.
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Processing and privacy: The result is calculated inside your browser and your data is not sent to any server.
How to use it
- Enter system cost, yearly output, price per kwh, yearly maintenance and system lifetime.
- The result appears straight away and updates as you edit.
- Copy the result, or copy a link that keeps the same values to share it.
How it is calculated
Yearly saving = yearly output × electricity price minus maintenance. Payback = cost ÷ yearly saving. Net saving = yearly saving × lifetime minus cost.
Example
Inputs: System cost = 25,000, Yearly output = 9,600 kWh, Price per kWh = 0.18 per kWh, Yearly maintenance = 0, System lifetime = 25 years. Result: Payback period: 14.5 years; Yearly saving: 1,728.00; Net saving over lifetime: 18,200.00.
Limits and caveats
- It ignores yearly panel degradation, tariff changes and financing cost.
- Under tiered tariffs each kWh may save more than the lowest rate if it cuts the top tier.
Questions about this tool
How long is solar payback in Saudi Arabia?
At 0.18 SAR per kWh it is fairly long; the example 25,000 system producing 9,600 kWh pays back in about 14.5 years.
How long does a solar system last?
Many makers warrant panels for about 25 years, so that is the default lifetime; you can change it.
Does a negative return mean a loss?
Yes. It means savings over the lifetime you entered are less than the system cost.