Energy payback time solar panels

What is a solar payback period?

The solar payback period represents the amount of time it takes to recoup the cost of installing your solar system. Depending on your installer, the number of solar panels you install, and how you pay for your system, the length of your solar payback period will vary. The average solar payback period for EnergySage customers is under eight years.

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 does a solar energy payback last?

Palz and Zibetta also calculated an energy payback of about 2 years for current multicrystalline-silicon PV. For single-crystal silicon, which Alsema did not calculate, Kato calculated a payback of 3 years when he did not charge for off-grade feedstock.

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 do solar panels last on EnergySage?

That's the average payback period on EnergySage. At the end of those 7.5 years, your solar panels will have saved you enough money on your electric bill to cover the upfront cost of your system. Year eight in the example is when you technically start saving money, having finally broken even on your investment.

What factors determine the payback period of solar panels?

One of the biggest factors in determining the payback period of solar panels is your grid electricity price. The higher the price, the shorter your payback period. As of July 2023, the national average price for grid electricity was 16.9 cents per kWh.