Solar Payback Calculator
Estimate annual solar generation, self-consumption savings, export value, simple payback and long-term net benefit using fully editable assumptions.
Default project preview
11.7 years
Net system cost
$16,000.00
On-site generation
6,720 kWh
Exported generation
4,480 kWh
First-year gross value
$1,523.20
Calculator
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Enter the project details and calculate a rounded material estimate.
Methodology
Transparent calculation
BuildMeter converts every input to a consistent internal unit, applies the selected allowance, and rounds products up to whole purchasable units.
Annual generation = system size × annual yield. Annual value = self-used energy × retail price + exports × export credit − maintenance. Simple payback = net installed cost ÷ first-year net benefit.
FAQ
Solar Payback Calculator questions
Is annual solar yield the same everywhere?+
No. Solar resource, orientation, tilt, shade, temperature and system losses all affect production.
Why separate self-consumption and exports?+
Energy used on site may offset a different price than energy exported to the grid.
Does simple payback include financing?+
No. Loan interest, discount rate, taxes and cash-flow timing require a more detailed financial model.