When will a solar energy system pay back on the original investment?

This depends on may factors such as what utility rate you are paying, what incentives are available to you and what the final price tag is on the system. However, there are some general expectations that can be set based on what type of customer you are.

If you are a residential customer in Texas and are paying cash for your system and can take advantage of the tax credit and a utility incentive, then a 7 year payback is a reasonable average.

If you are a commercial customer and can take advantage of the tax credit, accelerated depreciation and a utility incentive, then an average payback of 5 years is reasonable.

Paybacks may change significantly based on your ability to monetize the tax benefits and receive local utility incentives.

For a list of solar incentives that may be available to you, please click here.