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Battery Storage Payback Calculator
Home batteries shift solar production to evening peak; payback varies widely by tariff structure.
Payback (years)
7.1
Net install cost
$8,500
10-year net
$3,500
How the math works
Net = install − ITC − state rebate. Payback = net / annual savings.
$16k − $4.8k − $2,700 = $8,500 net. $1,200/yr. Payback 7.1 yrs.
How to Use
- Enter battery size (kwh).
- Enter install cost.
- Enter federal itc %.
- Enter state rebate $/kwh.
- Enter annual tou + backup savings.
- Read payback (years).
Frequently Asked Questions
Battery economics?
Battery cost: $10,000–20,000 installed (10–13 kWh capacity). Federal ITC: 30% (battery alone or with solar, 2023+). State rebates: SGIP CA up to $1,000+/kWh (depleting). Net metering 3.0 in CA: time-of-use export credits favor battery storage to evening. Backup power value: $500–3,000+/yr in outage-prone areas (CA fire shutoffs, FL hurricane, TX winter storm). Best ROI: high TOU spread, frequent outages, high export rate cuts. Worst ROI: full retail net metering, stable grid.
How accurate is this estimate?
Material and labor estimates are accurate to ±15% with reasonable inputs but local market conditions vary. Major markets cost 30–60% more than rural. Labor rates regional (union vs non-union, prevailing wage). Material prices fluctuate with commodity cycles. Get 3 contractor bids for any work over $5k. This calculator is a sanity check, not a substitute for actual quotes.
DIY vs contractor?
DIY savings: 40–70% of contractor cost on labor. Realistic skill threshold: painting, basic plumbing, simple electrical, drywall, flooring. Pro required: structural, gas, complex electrical, HVAC, roofing (warranty + insurance), permits. Permitted work without license risks insurance and resale. Time: hobby DIYers 3–5x slower than pro. Tools and learning curve real.
Permit and code compliance?
Permits required for: structural changes, additions, electrical service changes, plumbing rough-in, HVAC replacement, roof replacement (varies), fence (varies). Cost: $50–2,000+ depending on scope. Skipping permit risks: stop work order, fines, forced removal, insurance denial, resale title issues. Always pull permit; cost is small relative to compliance friction.
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