Solar Payback in St. John's 2026
St. John's solar systems typically pay for themselves in 13 years. See the math by system size, with Newfoundland Power rates and available Newfoundland and Labrador rebates.
Last verified:
Short answer
Solar in St. John's typically pays back in 13 years for a right-sized 6 to 10 kW residential system. Payback varies with your Newfoundland Power rate (average 13.5¢/kWh), 1,660 annual sun hours in St. John's, net system cost after Newfoundland and Labrador rebates, and how much production you self-consume. See system-by-system math below.
13 yrs
Typical Payback
13.5¢/kWh
Electricity Rate
1,660
Sun Hours/Year
$3.60/W
Installed Cost
How St. John's Solar Payback Is Calculated
Payback (years) = Net System Cost / Annual Bill Savings
Net system cost is your installed cost minus available rebates. Annual bill savings equal annual production times your effective rate, adjusted for self-consumption. In St. John's, we use 1,660 sun hours, 12% capacity factor, Newfoundland Power rate 13.5¢/kWh, and 85% self-consumption.
Assumptions used on this page
- • Installed cost mid-range: $3.60 per watt
- • Annual production: 12% capacity factor times 8,760 hours per year
- • Electricity rate: 13.5¢/kWh flat (does not model TOU or ULO)
- • Rebate: None modelled (some provinces have utility credits or municipal financing)
- • Self-consumption ratio: 85%
- • No rate escalation modelled (real payback is shorter with rate increases)
St. John's Payback by System Size
| System | System cost | Rebate | Net cost | Annual savings | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 kW | $14,400 | — | $14,400 | $483/yr | 29.8 yrs |
| 6 kW | $21,600 | — | $21,600 | $724/yr | 29.8 yrs |
| 8 kW | $28,800 | — | $28,800 | $965/yr | 29.8 yrs |
| 10 kW | $36,000 | — | $36,000 | $1,206/yr | 29.9 yrs |
| 12 kW | $43,200 | — | $43,200 | $1,447/yr | 29.9 yrs |
Estimates assume 12% capacity factor, 13.5¢/kWh, 85% self-consumption, no rate escalation. Actual payback varies with roof orientation, shading, usage pattern, and financing.
See Your St. John's Solar Payback
Enter your address for a payback estimate that uses your actual roof, usage, and rate plan.
Get a free estimateSt. John's Solar Payback FAQs
Related Resources
Solar Cost in St. John's
See installed pricing for St. John's.
Learn moreSt. John's Solar Calculator
Get a personalised estimate.
Learn moreSolar Payback Period Canada
National overview.
Learn moreSolar in Newfoundland and Labrador
Complete Newfoundland and Labrador solar guide.
Learn moreSolar Rebates & Incentives
Find rebates in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Learn moreFree Solar Estimator
Get a quote.
Learn more— Sources: NRCan, Newfoundland Power published rates.