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Independent solar estimate

See if solar pays back for your home.

Estimate annual bill savings, export income, payback time and 25-year return—before you request an installer quote.

No sales form Transparent assumptions Three return scenarios

Calculate your solar return

Use a quick estimate or enter more detailed assumptions.

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✓ No quote request · Calculated in your browser
Your solar return will appear here Enter your electricity use, system size and estimated installation cost.

Your solar estimate

Independent planning estimate—not an installer quote.

25-year view
Estimated payback period
10.6 years
Net system cost recovered through estimated savings and export income
Year 1 bill savings
£437
Year 1 export income
£198
Year 1 net benefit
£585
Annual solar generation
3,600 kWh
Electricity demand covered
38.6%
25-year net benefit
£10,820
25-year ROI
166%
Net installation cost
£6,500
Conservative payback10.3 yrs
Your estimate10.6 years
Strong outcome7.0 yrs
Using more solar electricity in your home instead of exporting it may improve your return when your import tariff is higher than your export payment.

See where your solar value comes from

Unlike calculators that return one unexplained number, SolarWorth separates bill savings, export income and long-term assumptions.

Electricity rates change the value of the solar you use at home. If you are calculating savings around the next Ofgem update, read the October 2026 energy price cap solar-savings guide and use your actual p/kWh tariff in the calculator.

YearSolar generationBill savingsExport incomeMaintenanceCumulative net benefit

Results are estimates. Actual output and savings depend on location, shading, roof orientation, equipment, tariffs, usage patterns, system losses and installer design.

Why this calculator is different

It is designed to help you understand a quote—not collect your details for one.

Transparent assumptions

Change solar yield, self-consumption, export rate, degradation and electricity-price growth.

Three realistic scenarios

See how weaker or stronger performance changes payback instead of relying on a single optimistic result.

25-year cashflow

Follow the estimated value year by year, including degradation and maintenance.

Bill savings

Solar electricity used in your home reduces grid electricity purchases.

Self-used solar × Electricity price

Export income

Solar electricity not used in the home may earn an export payment.

Exported solar × Export rate

Payback

Payback occurs when cumulative net benefits reach the net installation cost.

Net cost ÷ Annual net benefit
Illustration showing solar panel savings increasing until the system reaches its break-even point
Solar payback guide · 11 min read

How long do solar panels take to pay for themselves?

Learn how solar payback is calculated, which assumptions change the result and how to compare quotes without relying on an optimistic headline number.

Read the solar payback guide →

Solar savings calculator FAQs

How are solar panel savings calculated?

The calculator estimates solar generation, separates electricity used in the home from exported electricity, applies the selected import and export rates, subtracts maintenance and projects the result over time.

Where can I find an annual solar yield estimate?

Use a location-based solar production tool or an installer estimate. Solar resource tools such as PVWatts can estimate energy production for a proposed grid-connected photovoltaic system.

Why does self-consumption matter?

Solar used directly in the home is valued at the avoided electricity purchase price. Exported solar is valued at the selected export payment, which may be lower.

Does this include a battery?

Not directly. A battery can change self-consumption, export and costs. You can model part of its effect by changing self-consumption and total installed cost, but a dedicated battery calculator will be more precise.

Is this a quote or financial advice?

No. It is an independent planning estimate. Professional assessment is still needed for roof condition, shading, structural suitability, electrical design, equipment, permits and local incentives.