Solar payback calculator

    How long until your solar pays for itself? Enter your own post-rebate quote, system size and rates — we never assume a system price — and see a payback range with every assumption on show.

    Solar payback calculator

    Enter your own quote and rates — we never assume a system price. The result is a range based on a stated generation assumption.

    Auto-fill from our state feed-in tariff data is being verified — enter your own rate for now.

    The share of generated power you use directly (the rest is exported at your feed-in tariff).

    Assumptions

    • Generation of 1,250–1,500 kWh per kW per year (a conservative national band; real output varies by location, orientation and shading).
    • Your self-consumption split, usage rate and feed-in tariff as entered.
    • Excludes panel degradation, future price changes, finance costs and any maintenance. This is an estimate, not a quote.

    Common questions

    How is solar payback calculated here?
    Payback is your post-rebate system cost divided by your estimated annual saving. The annual saving is the power you self-consume (valued at your usage rate) plus the power you export (valued at your feed-in tariff). We use a stated, conservative generation band so the result is a range rather than a single confident figure.
    Why do you ask for my system cost instead of estimating it?
    Because we never assume a market price. System prices vary by size, brand, roof and installer, so the only honest input is your actual post-rebate quote. You can estimate the rebate portion on our STC calculator first.
    Why enter my own feed-in tariff?
    Feed-in rates differ by state and retailer, and we’re still verifying current rates per state. Until that data lands, entering your own rate keeps your payback estimate honest rather than based on a placeholder.
    What does this calculator not include?
    It excludes panel degradation over time, future electricity price changes, finance costs and maintenance. It’s a transparent estimate to guide a decision — not a quote or a financial product.

    Need a quote to run the numbers?

    Get a no-obligation solar quote sized to your usage, then plug the real figures in above.

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    James Baker

    Reviewed by James Baker, Founder, EnergyPlans.com.au. Calculator assumptions reviewed 21 June 2026. Methodology.