Solar Payback & ROI

Estimate the payback period, lifetime savings, and IRR of a rooftop solar install.

System size (kW)Install cost ($)Incentive / tax credit ($)

Utility rate ($/kWh)Sun hours / dayAnalysis yearsElectric inflation %Discount rate %

Panel degradation % / yrYear-1 production (kWh est.)

Result

Net install cost

$19,200

Payback (yrs)

9.54

Year-1 savings

$1,808.06

Lifetime savings

$61,639.58

ROI

221%

IRR

10.45%

NPV

$17,449.91

About this tool

Enter system size, install cost, utility rate, sun hours, and degradation to see years to payback, lifetime savings, NPV at a chosen discount rate, and IRR. Targets the persistent r/solar and r/homeimprovement 'is solar worth it in 2026' debate.

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