What Is the Solar Payback Calculator?
The Solar Payback Calculator is a free online tool that instantly calculates monthly savings (year 1). Enter your system cost (before tax credit), monthly electricity bill, solar offset, annual electricity rate increase, tax credit and get accurate results in seconds using professional-grade formulas.
Who Should Use This Calculator?
This calculator is best for anyone who needs to quickly determine monthly savings (year 1). Whether you're comparing options, planning ahead, or verifying numbers, this tool gives you reliable results without manual math or spreadsheets.
How to Use the Solar Payback Calculator
- Enter your system cost (before tax credit) — total installed cost of the solar system before any incentives
- Enter your monthly electricity bill — your average monthly electricity bill before solar
- Enter your solar offset — percentage of your electricity bill offset by solar production
- Enter your annual electricity rate increase — expected annual increase in electricity rates (us avg ~3%)
- Enter your tax credit — federal or state solar tax credit (us federal itc is 30% in 2026)
- Click "Calculate" to see your results
- Review your results: monthly savings (year 1), payback period, 25-year net savings, net system cost (after tax credit)
Understanding Your Results
The calculator displays Monthly Savings (Year 1) as primary results, with additional details including payback period, 25-year net savings, net system cost (after tax credit). All calculations use standard formulas trusted by professionals in the field.