Solar vs Grid Electricity: Long-Term Cost Comparison

Grid electricity is a recurring cost that has historically trended upward. Solar is largely an upfront cost with modest recurring maintenance. Comparing them fairly means projecting both over the same horizon.

Our 25-year model escalates the grid bill at a configurable rate, degrades solar output annually, applies maintenance costs, and includes financing payments where a loan is used.

The crossover point — payback — depends heavily on tariff, consumption and how much generation you use directly rather than export.

No projection is a guarantee. Treat the chart as a decision aid built on explicit assumptions you can question and change.