Payback is the single best metric for solar investment
EMI, monthly savings, and CO₂ numbers are all useful — but payback is the number that answers the question “when does my solar system start paying me back?”. For most UP homes with PM Surya Ghar subsidy, the answer is 3.5-5 years on compounded payback. After that, every unit generated is pure profit for the next 20 years.
Typical payback by system size (UP, 2026)
| System | Net Cost | Annual Savings | Simple Payback | 25-yr Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 kW | ₹60,000 | ₹22,000 | 2.7 yrs | ₹6.5 L |
| 3 kW | ₹1,00,000 | ₹33,000 | 3.0 yrs | ₹9.8 L |
| 5 kW | ₹1,92,000 | ₹56,000 | 3.4 yrs | ₹16.6 L |
| 10 kW | ₹4,92,000 | ₹1.13 L | 4.4 yrs | ₹33.5 L |
Payback is one of four views — cross-check with LCOE for true ₹/kWh cost, EMI if financing, the Subsidy Calculator for exact PM Surya Ghar amount, and net metering savings for the full monthly-bill picture.