Scenario calculator
Solar panels vs grid electricity
Compare the cost of installing solar panels to paying a monthly electricity bill based on your expected stay.
Scenario introduction
Installing solar panels is a major upfront investment, while staying on the grid keeps costs monthly. The right choice depends heavily on how long you will keep the property.
This calculator translates that decision into a break-even timeline so you can see when solar pays for itself.
Use the calculator below to test your own pricing and timeline for solar panels vs grid electricity. The recommendation will shift as the time horizon changes, which is why this page emphasizes break-even logic over simple price tags.
Calculator
These defaults reflect a typical solar panels vs grid electricitydecision, but you should replace them with your actual numbers. The totals update instantly as you adjust the inputs.
Scenario-specific explanation
Monthly electricity bills accumulate steadily, so long-term homeowners can recover the upfront solar expense over time.
If you plan to move sooner than the break-even month, the grid option is usually cheaper despite higher monthly costs.
Solar economics are driven by time. The longer you stay, the more months your utility bill would have grown, which is exactly what the break-even point captures.
If incentives apply, they reduce the upfront cost and move break-even earlier, which can flip the decision for borderline cases.
Break-even in this scenario indicates when the cumulative utility bill you avoid equals the net solar installation cost.
Decision guidance
Solar often wins for long-term homeowners, while the grid stays cheaper for short stays.
- Long-term ownership tends to favor solar once break-even is reached.
- Short-term stays keep grid electricity cheaper because the upfront solar cost is not recovered.
- Include rebates as an upfront discount to see their impact on the break-even point.
Signals that usually tip the decision
- You plan to own the property long enough to capture years of bill savings.
- Your monthly electricity bill is stable or rising, increasing long-term savings.
- You can claim incentives that reduce the upfront price.
Scenario FAQ
Should I include tax incentives?
Yes. Treat incentives as an upfront discount so the one-time cost reflects the net price.
What about maintenance or inverter replacement?
Add estimated maintenance costs to the one-time price for a more accurate comparison.
Does net metering change the math?
If net metering reduces your monthly bill, lower the monthly price input accordingly.
What if I finance the panels?
Financing introduces interest and monthly payments. In that case, compare the financed monthly cost to the grid bill.
Related tools
Keep exploring or return to the main calculator for a neutral comparison.