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Solar ROI Analysis

Need to maximize your yield? Check shading patterns first with our Solar Shading Analysis— partial shade can shift payback by years.

Year 10.8

Your break-even point comes out to about Year 10.8.

$37,423.00 over 20 yr · NPV $9,176.00 · 90.9% output in yr 20

Total 20-year savings

$37,423.00

Status quo grid cost $39,994.00

Simple NPV

$9,176.00

Discounted at your energy inflation %

Net benefit vs. no solar

$19,423.00

Net install $18,000.00

How this calculator works

How to use the Solar ROI Analysis

The Formula

Year-1 kWh declines by your degradation % each year. Savings blend self-consumed kWh at retail with exports at your net-metering rate—both escalating with inflation. Break-even is when cumulative savings repay net install cost after incentives.

Practical Example

Simple NPV discounts annual savings at your inflation %. The chart compares net solar savings (green) with cumulative grid spend if you never installed (dashed)—crossing zero marks payback.

About Solar ROI Analysis

20-year financial model

Year-1 kWh declines by your degradation % each year. Savings blend self-consumed kWh at retail with exports at your net-metering rate—both escalating with inflation. Break-even is when cumulative savings repay net install cost after incentives.

NPV & status quo

Simple NPV discounts annual savings at your inflation %. The chart compares net solar savings (green) with cumulative grid spend if you never installed (dashed)—crossing zero marks payback.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Include tax credits? A: Toggle $ fixed or % percentage (e.g. 30% ITC). Q: Shading? A: Run Solar Shading Analysis first. Q: vs. Degradation ROI? A: That tool sizes from kWp; this one accepts direct annual kWh and export rates.