Key points
- Payback depends on self-consumption %, unit rate and export tariff
- Typical UK commercial payback is 5–8 years
- Daytime-heavy operations get the fastest returns
- Post-payback years produce essentially free electricity
Self-consumption is king
Every kWh you generate and use on-site displaces grid electricity at your full unit rate. Every kWh exported earns a much lower export tariff. Aim for 60–80% self-consumption.
Payback maths
Divide install cost by (annual self-consumed kWh × your unit rate + exported kWh × export tariff). Typical UK commercial paybacks land at 5–8 years.
What changes payback
Rising grid prices shorten payback; falling grid prices extend it. A daytime-heavy consumption profile (offices, schools) beats an evening-heavy one (hospitality).
Beyond payback
System life is 25+ years. Once paid back, everything from year 6–8 onwards is essentially free electricity for the rest of the system's life.
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