For most homeowners, solar panels take about 6 to 10 years to pay for themselves, depending on system cost, electricity rates, incentives, and local policies. However, in some states, the payback period can be as short as five years or as long as 15. In this guide, we'll help you calculate your solar panel payback. That break-even point—your solar payback period—tells you exactly when your system stops costing you money and starts making you money. Your payback period depends on your electricity costs, system size, and. Depending on your utility cost, the time it takes to pay back the initial investment can be very short.