Free Solar Payback Calculator – When Will My Solar Plan Pay Me Back?

Solar Panel Payback Periods with Expert Solar

You’ve made the wise decision to explore the benefits solar power offers, and Expert Solar applauds your forward-thinking approach. Now the question is: “How long does it take for my solar panels to pay for themselves?”   

This is where the concept of the solar panel payback period comes into play, and we’re here to shed some light on it for you.

Understanding the Solar Panel Payback Period

What is the “Solar Panel Payback Period?” –The solar panel payback period is the time it takes for your energy savings to cover the initial cost of your solar installation. In simpler terms, it’s the duration before your solar system becomes a profitable investment, generating savings and even profits.

When you’re comparing solar providers like Expert Solar and others, understanding this metric can guide your decision-making process.

It’s a straightforward calculation, but several factors come into play, and one of those key players is Expert Solar. Let’s dive in together and get to exactly how Expert Solar is a key factor in your installation and why it affects your solar payback period.

What’s the Typical Solar Payback Period?

For homeowners and business owners making the switch to solar, the average payback period typically falls within a range of 5 to 9 years. 

It’s important to note that this range can fluctuate significantly based on factors like your location, the size of your solar system, local electricity costs, and more. In addition, incentives and rebates, such as those professionally handled by Expert Solar, can dramatically reduce your expenses and accelerate your payback.

Factors Influencing the Solar Payback Period

Several factors come into play which influence the payback period for your solar installation. These factors can include:

  1. System size and total cost: A larger system may come with a higher initial investment, but it can also generate more energy and savings, offsetting the cost more rapidly. And with Expert Solar, everything is done in-house, ensuring the most efficient setup.
  2. Solar incentives and rebate programs: Some regions offer enticing incentives and rebates that can significantly reduce your solar expenses, just as Expert Solar can expertly assist in securing these benefits.
  3. Electricity costs and usage: The higher your electricity bills before going solar, whether due to high local costs or your own consumption, the shorter your payback period will be.
  4. Solar panel efficiency: The efficiency of your solar panels plays a pivotal role in how soon you reach the break-even point. More efficient panels, especially when selected with Expert Solar’s expertise, generate more energy per watt, resulting in a shorter payback period.

Solar Payback Period Calculator

Estimated Payback Period: 0 years, 0 months, 0 days


This calculator is unique to Expert Solar!

How to Calculate Your Solar Power Payback Period

To determine your solar panel payback period, you can follow a straightforward equation:

Divide the net cost of your solar installation by your annual energy savings. This will give you the timeframe it takes to recoup your initial investment.

Solar payback period = Net cost of going solar / Annual energy savings

  1. Start by identifying the net cost of your solar installation, which is the total amount you’ll be paying for the installation. 
  2. Subtract any upfront incentives, such as the federal tax credit, to find the net initial cost. 

With Expert Solar, you can be confident that everything is handled in-house, ensuring a streamlined process from start to finish.

  1. Calculate your annual energy savings by totaling a year’s worth of electricity bills or using a sample month’s bill for estimation. 
  2. Then, plug these values into the equation to determine your solar payback period. 

Keep in mind that this simplified equation doesn’t account for inflation, but with Expert Solar’s expertise and vast financing opportunities, you can make adjustments to factor in such variables.

Considerations for the Solar Panel Payback Period

Understanding the solar panel payback period is pivotal to realizing when your solar investment will start delivering returns and savings. It also aids in your solar provider selection process, allowing you to compare payback periods offered by different installers. 

Remember that this isn’t the sole factor to consider – take into account system performance, warranties, customer service ratings, and online reviews for a comprehensive evaluation.

When you’re ready to embark on your solar journey with Expert Solar, rest assured that everything is handled in-house, guaranteeing a seamless and efficient process. With our expertise and several financing options, we can help you calculate the solar payback period for your installation, ensuring you get the best deal possible. 

Contact us to get started on your switch to solar today.