Solar Payback Calculator

How to use this calculator

Enter Installed cost ($), Applicable incentives ($), Net annual savings ($). The result updates in your browser as you edit an input. The prefilled values are examples only.

How the estimate works

Divide installed cost after applicable incentives by net annual savings. Financing and future rate changes are excluded.

What can change the answer?

Simple payback ignores financing, maintenance, future electricity prices, roof work, and discounting. Incentive eligibility must be verified for your project.

Before relying on the result

Check that the figures use the same units and period. Compare the result against a current label, quote, contract, employer policy, or official dataset when appropriate. This estimate does not include factors you have not entered.

Further reference

For source data or a more detailed method, see National Laboratory of the Rockies: PVWatts production model. The calculator does not automatically import data from this source.

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