Renewable Energy
Basic

Solar Payback Period

Years to recover a solar install from annual savings.

Formula

T=CST = \frac{C}{S}

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Variables

TPayback (years)
CInstall cost
SAnnual savings

Example

C=$10,000, S=$1,250/yr: T = 8 years

Did You Know?

With panels warrantied for 25 years, a payback under 10 years means 15+ years of near-free power.

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