Net upfront cost
$12,600
Estimated system cost after incentives.
Flagship calculator
Solar Payback Calculator
Use this calculator to estimate net upfront solar cost, first-year savings, and a recovery timeline using U.S.-focused assumptions that you can edit.
U.S.-focused assumptionsEditable calculator inputsPlanning estimate only
Build your scenario
Adjust install cost, incentives, and utility assumptions to see how quickly solar could recover its upfront cost for your home.
Best used when
You have a rough quote range, incentive estimate, and current electric bill, and want a planning estimate before talking with installers.
Live results85% bill reduction
Simple payback
6.9 years
With a net upfront cost of $12,600 and projected first-year savings of $1,836, this scenario shows how long solar may take to pay for itself.
Year-one savings
$1,836
Projected bill reduction in the first year.
10-year savings
$21,048
Cumulative savings with rate growth applied.
20-year savings
$49,334
Longer-horizon planning view for ownership.
Planning note
This estimate assumes 3% annual utility-rate growth and does not model financing, roof-specific production, maintenance, or contractor-specific pricing.
Methodology and assumptions
What drives the estimate
- Results are estimates for U.S. homeowners based on the numbers you enter.
- Utility prices can change over time and may rise faster or slower than the default inflation rate.
- Federal, state, and utility incentives vary and are not automatically customized by location in this version.
- Maintenance, financing, and roof work are not included in this simple model.
FAQ
What is simple payback?
Simple payback is the number of years it takes for estimated bill savings to offset your upfront solar investment.
Does this include financing costs?
No. This version models direct cost, incentives, and bill savings only.