Guide
Solar Payback Estimate Guide
Estimate solar payback and long-horizon savings with incentive, rate growth, and maintenance assumptions.
Quick answer: Solar payback depends on net installed cost, offset production, local tariff rules, and how long you stay.
How to use this guide
- Enter system cost and incentive percentage.
- Input annual kWh offset and current electric rate assumptions.
- Review payback and horizon savings with conservative maintenance assumptions.
Common mistakes
- Production and export-credit policies vary by utility and regulation.
- Ignoring degradation and maintenance can overstate long-term savings.
- Assuming constant occupancy horizon can misalign investment timing.
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