Core solar ROI calculator
Leave 0 to estimate kW from system cost ÷ cost per kW (below).
Click Calculate ROI to update savings, payback, and ROI below.
City sunlight presets (illustrative)
Adjusts “sun hours / day” for comparison—not official irradiance data.
Energy production (kWh)
Daily kWh ≈ kW × sun hours × (efficiency ÷ 100). Annual = daily × 365.
Net metering, subsidy & maintenance
Surplus = generation minus consumption; credit applies to exported portion only.
Solar vs grid cost (monthly)
| Source | Estimated monthly |
|---|---|
| Click Calculate ROI for estimates. | |
Is solar worth it for me?
Heuristic from payback & simple ROI—confirm with a professional.
Click Calculate ROI for a quick verdict.
ROI vs inflation (first-year vs effective rate)
Click Calculate ROI to compare first-year ROI with tariff growth.
25-year savings projection
Cumulative net savings after maintenance; tariff grows yearly; system cost net of subsidy at year 0.
| Year | Net savings | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Click Calculate ROI for the year-by-year table. | ||
Carbon savings (illustrative)
Uses ~0.82 kg CO₂ per kWh grid average (India-style default); editable factor below.
Download ROI report & share
How solar ROI works
You invest upfront in a PV system. Each year you avoid buying some grid kWh (and may earn credits for exports). Net annual savings = value of those kWh + export credits − maintenance. Payback = net cost after subsidy ÷ net annual savings. ROI % ≈ net annual savings ÷ net cost × 100 for a single year snapshot.
Is solar worth it?
Often yes when tariffs are high, net metering is fair, and your roof has good sun—but shading, wiring, inverter losses, and DISCOM rules change outcomes. Use this tool to bracket scenarios, then get quotes.
Factors affecting ROI
- Effective ₹/kWh and whether you climb slabs without solar
- Real generation vs your daytime load (self-consumption)
- Subsidy, GST, and financing interest
- Maintenance, inverter replacement reserve, and tariff inflation
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FAQ
- How long does solar take to pay off?
- Divide net system cost (after subsidies) by net annual savings. Typical ranges vary widely by state and system design.
- What is solar ROI?
- Return on investment for solar is the annual net benefit relative to upfront cost, expressed as a percentage.
- Is solar investment profitable?
- It can be when savings exceed costs on a net present value basis. This calculator gives a simplified cash view—verify with installers and your bill history.
- How much can I save with solar panels?
- Savings depend on generation, self-consumption, export rules, and tariff growth. Enter your numbers above and review the 25-year table.