Solar vs Grid Calculator
Compare the lifetime cost of solar versus staying on the grid in Pakistan.
About the Solar vs Grid Calculator
Whether you are comparing options or just need a quick check, the Solar vs Grid Calculator delivers an accurate result instantly, with every input editable so you can model your own scenario.
A solar system is an investment, and like any investment it deserves a payback calculation. This Solar vs Grid Calculator works out how many months it will take for your electricity savings to repay the system's cost, and what the investment is worth over its 25-year panel life.
The math compares the system cost with your monthly electricity bill that solar will eliminate. The payback period is cost divided by monthly savings; the long-term return includes both the savings and the avoided tariff increases that have been a constant of Pakistani electricity pricing.
With tariffs rising over time, the payback period you calculate today is a ceiling — future tariff increases shorten it. This is the strongest argument for solar in Pakistan, and this calculator quantifies it.
The calculation assumes your usage stays constant and the system generates its rated output. In practice, soiling, shading and inverter losses reduce output slightly, so treat the payback as an optimistic planning figure and add a 10–15% margin.
Use the Solar vs Grid Calculator as often as you like — it is free, needs no account, and pairs well with the other calculators in this category for a fuller picture.
How to calculate solar payback
- 1
Enter the total installed cost of your solar system.
- 2
Enter your average monthly electricity bill that solar will cover.
- 3
Read the payback period in months and years, updated live.
- 4
Review the long-term savings projection over the system's life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is solar worth it in Pakistan?
Over 25 years, a system covering 90% of a Rs 30,000/month bill saves well over Rs 6 million versus the grid — even after maintenance. Solar wins for most households paying Rs 15,000+/month.
What is a good solar payback period in Pakistan?
With 2025 tariffs, most Pakistani systems pay back in 3–5 years. Given panels last 25+ years, that leaves two decades of near-free electricity — an excellent return.
Does net metering improve payback?
Yes. Net metering lets you sell excess daytime generation back to the grid, which can shorten the payback period by 6–12 months depending on how much surplus you export.