Based on an average 7% increase per annum on power costs, calculate your 10 or even your 25 year power costs, versus the cost of a solar system and see which one you would rather pay.

Add your quarterly estimated power cost in the green box and change the yearly price inflation in the yellow box, (it will reset to 7% each time) change it to higher or lower levels if you wish to see how your bill changes. Keep in mind we have had increases of 14% per annum and as high as 25% some years.

Between 2019 and 2024, the most significant annual increase in Australian residential electricity prices occurred in 2022–23, with an average rise of approximately 20–25% across various states. This surge was primarily driven by elevated wholesale electricity prices, which peaked in mid-2022 due to factors such as global energy market disruptions and domestic supply constraints.

After filling in the 2 amounts in the Blue and Yellow boxes, press “Calculate My 25-Year Forecast” to see the values change in the graph below. Using the price you have been quoted for your solar system, let say $8500 then scroll down the “cumulative” column and look for the 2 price values that your system sits in between. Then look to the left of that same price value to see approximately how long it will take in years to pay it all back. Almost all households will pay their system costs back within 3 years. If your payback period is longer than 3 yrs for the solar system on its own, then the quoted price is to high.