Solar Payback Calculator
Use your own quote, bills and feed-in tariff to see how long solar takes to pay for itself.
Prices, tariffs and rebates change all the time and differ by state, so this uses your own numbers. The examples are not real prices. Everything is worked out in your browser. Nothing is saved or sent anywhere.
1. Which system?
Off-grid compares solar with a cable run or a generator.
Full installed price from your quote, after rebates.
2. Your bills and quote
Your installer's estimate.
What you pay for grid power, from your bill.
What you're paid for power you export.
How much of the solar you use as it's made.
2. The other options
The "savings" are the costs you avoid. Enter 0 for an option you wouldn't use.
From an electrician's quote.
What you'd spend each year running a generator instead.
3. Over the years
Leave these at 0 for a simple payback. Add them for a longer-term view.
Panels slowly make a little less as they age. Check the panel warranty.
Inverters usually need replacing before the panels.
4. Results
How it was worked out
Before you rely on it
- This is an estimate from the numbers you enter. It doesn't include interest, battery replacement or changes to how you use power.
- Tariffs and feed-in rates change, sometimes yearly. Rebates and certificates differ by state. Check what applies to you when you get quotes.
- Power you use yourself is usually worth much more than power you export, so using more during the day shortens the payback.
- Once it's running, check what the system makes against your installer's estimate. If you suspect a fault on the 240V side, call a licensed electrician or your installer.
- Safety: in Australia, any work on 240V AC wiring, including connecting an inverter, battery or solar system to a home's switchboard or fixed wiring, must be done by a licensed electrician. Grid-connected systems also need approval from your electricity network.
Next steps
Read the full method in Working Out Solar Payback With Your Own Numbers.