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Solar Savings Calculator

Estimate your electric bill savings and payback period from installing solar panels.

Details

Enter your numbers and select Calculate to see results.

About This Calculator

This calculator estimates how much you could save on your electric bill with solar panels, based on your current monthly bill, the percentage of usage solar would offset, and the system cost — including how many years it takes to pay back your investment through savings.

How This Is Calculated

Payback Period = years until cumulative savings ≥ system cost

An $18,000 system offsetting 85% of a $180/month bill saves about $153/month, paying back the investment in roughly 9-10 years.

Assumptions

  • System cost should reflect the amount after any federal or state solar incentives you qualify for.
  • Assumes a constant offset percentage and a steady annual electricity rate increase.
  • Does not include panel degradation over time (typically 0.5%/year) or maintenance costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on your local electricity rates, available sunlight, roof condition/orientation, system cost, and available incentives. A payback period under 10 years is often considered a strong investment, though this varies by personal financial goals.

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Last updated January 15, 2026. Results are estimates for informational purposes only — read our disclaimer.