Solar Cost Calculator

Use our free Solar Cost Calculator to quickly estimate your solar installation costs and long-term savings, based on key inputs like system size, energy usage, and local electricity rates. Perfect for homeowners and businesses.

Solar Cost Formula

Total Solar Cost = (System Size × Cost per kW) Annual Savings = (Monthly Energy Usage × Electricity Rate × 12) – (Solar Output × Electricity Rate)
Example:
If you install a 5 kW system at ₹70,000 per kW, your upfront cost is ₹350,000. If you use 600 kWh/month and your electricity rate is ₹8 per kWh: 600 × 8 × 12 = ₹57,600 annual cost without solar. With solar offsetting ~500 kWh/month, your new bill is ₹9,600 annually, saving you ₹48,000 per year.

Knowing how to calculate solar costs and savings helps you understand payback periods and long-term ROI. Not a fan of manual math? Just enter your numbers into our Solar Cost Calculator for instant results.

How this solar cost calculator works

This calculator estimates your total installation cost and annual energy savings by combining your system size, average energy usage, and local electricity rates. It provides a fast way to measure potential ROI and payback time.

When to use this solar cost calculator

When comparing solar installation quotes

To calculate payback period and long-term savings

While budgeting for renewable energy investments

For planning energy independence and grid savings

To benchmark solar ROI against other energy efficiency upgrades

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Use ServiceAgent.ai to automate estimates, manage proposals, and track profitability—all from one dashboard.

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Average Profit Margins by Industry

Understand how solar compares to other service industries. Below are typical profit margin ranges across common service businesses:

Solar Installation Contractors

20–30%
net margin

Roofing Contractors

20–40%
net margin

HVAC Contractors

10–20%
net margin

Plumbing Contractors

20–35%
net margin

Electrical Contractors

15–25%
net margin

Construction/Contracting

15–30%
net margin

These benchmarks help solar providers and homeowners assess whether solar installation costs are competitive and profitable.

Frequently Asked Questions

This calculator provides a close estimate using system size, usage, and electricity rates. Actual costs may vary by installer and region.

Key factors include system size, equipment quality, roof type, labor costs, and available incentives.

No, be sure to add local rebates and credits separately for accurate ROI.

Yes—just enter the correct energy usage and system size.

Typically, system size is based on your average monthly kWh usage.

No. Solar panels require minimal maintenance, but add costs if you include warranties or service.

Most solar systems in India recover costs in 5–7 years, depending on usage and incentives.

Pair it with ServiceAgent.ai to automate proposals, estimates, and ROI tracking.