Solar Payback Calculator California – 6 kW System
Estimate your solar panel payback in California: a 6 kW system at 5.5 peak-sun hours and $0.30/kWh, with local incentives. Runs 100% in your browser.
Runs locally in your browser — no upload, no trackingTry: System size=6, Peak sun hours=5.5, Performance ratio (0–1)=0.85, Electricity rate=0.3, Installed cost=2.8, Federal ITC=30, State incentive=0, Annual elec. price rise=0.03, Net metering credit (0–1)=0.75 → 10,238 kWh/yr, $2,304/yr, $11,760, 5.1 years, $83,988
How to use
California moved to NEM 3.0 in April 2023, which cut the export credit for new systems to roughly wholesale rates. Most homeowners now pair solar with a battery to use more of their own generation. This page pre-fills a 6 kW system with California's 5.5 peak-sun hours, $0.30/kWh rate and a net metering credit of 0.75. Adjust the system size, installed cost and federal ITC, then press Calculate.
The simple payback divides your net cost (after the 30% federal ITC) by your first-year savings. Because electricity prices usually rise, the 25-year total understates your real savings if you leave the 3% default in place.
FAQ
What is the solar payback period in California?
It depends on system size, your 0.30/kWh rate and local incentives, but California's 5.5 peak-sun hours make a 6 kW system produce roughly 10,238 kWh a year. Enter your details above for the exact break-even year.