How long does it take for solar panels to pay back?

The amount of time it takes for the energy savings to exceed the cost of installing solar panels is know as the payback period or break-even period. A typical payback period for residential solar is 7-10 years, althought it varies depending on your utility rates, incentives, system size, and other factors.

How long is a solar panel payback period?

This time frame, known as the solar panel payback period, averages between six and 10 years for most residential solar installations. Payback periods vary based on several factors, such as your selected financing option and available solar incentives.

How do solar panels pay back?

If you’d rather skip the long explanations and math equations, you can calculate the payback period for your specific home now by using our solar panel payback calculator: Solar panels pay for themselves over time by saving you money on electricity bills, and in some cases, earning you money through ongoing incentive payments.

How do I calculate my solar payback period?

Your electricity use and cost, the cost of solar, and your access to solar incentives all impact your solar payback period. To calculate your solar payback period, you simply divide the cost of installing your system by the amount of money you’ll save each year.

How long does it take to recoup solar power?

Converting to solar power is a major investment, and most homeowners want to know how long it will take to recoup their money. This time frame, known as the solar panel payback period, averages between six and 10 years for most residential solar installations.

How long does it take to pay off a solar system?

Absolutely. If you live in specific states, you could quickly pay off an entire home solar panel system in under five years. Or, in other regions, spend upwards of 12+ years before the system pays for itself. But once it does, everything else from that day on is nothing but savings and extra money staying in your bank account.