How is it calculated?
Payback = investment ÷ yearly cash flow
Discounted payback values future money less, using your discount rate, so it is always longer — and more realistic for long projects.
Payback period calculator
Enter the investment and the cash it brings in each year — for example from solar panels, a machine or a business project. The calculator shows when it has paid for itself.
Last updated: · By Furkan Çetinkaya · About & Methodology
Payback period
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Common questions
What is a good payback period?
Many businesses look for under 3–5 years; home energy projects often accept 7–10.
What does payback ignore?
Everything after the payback point. Use NPV or IRR for a full picture.