Solar Savings Calculator (Sri Lanka)
Enter your monthly CEB bill to see the system size you need, the estimated cost, and how quickly it pays back.
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How this solar savings calculator works
The calculator converts your monthly electricity bill into monthly units using your average tariff, then divides by Sri Lanka's average peak-sun-hours (~4.5/day) to arrive at a system size in kW. It multiplies by your Rs./kW installation cost for total cost, and by 12 months for annual savings to give a simple payback figure.
Solar tariffs and grid schemes in Sri Lanka (2026)
The national utility offers three rooftop schemes: Net Metering (unit-for-unit credit, no cash), Net Accounting (unit credit plus year-end cash payout for surplus), and Net Plus (cash payment for every unit exported at a fixed feed-in tariff). Net Plus is often best for pure investment cases; Net Accounting is usually best for homes; Net Metering is the simplest but pays nothing for surplus.
Tips to maximise solar savings
Size the system slightly larger than your current use — electricity tariffs rise faster than solar cost falls. Choose Tier-1 panels with 25-year linear performance warranty. Insist on a quality inverter with a 10-year warranty. Run heavy loads (AC, iron, dishwasher) during solar hours to consume more of what you generate. Compare quotes from three approved installers before signing.
Solar vs FD — where should the money go?
A 5 kW system costing Rs. 1.4M that saves Rs. 240,000/year is a ~17% risk-free "yield" against a rising electricity tariff, and the system runs for 20+ years. FDs at 11% barely keep up with inflation. For homeowners with 15+ years in the same property, solar is one of the highest-return investments available in Sri Lanka.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does rooftop solar reduce my electricity bill?
Solar panels generate electricity during the day, reducing the amount you draw from the national grid. Depending on the connection scheme you choose, excess generation can be credited against your bill or sold back to the grid.
What system size do I need?
It depends on your monthly consumption. As a rough guide, each kilowatt (kW) of solar capacity generates around 110–130 units (kWh) per month in Sri Lanka's climate. The calculator matches a system size to your bill automatically.
What is the typical payback period?
For most households with medium-to-high bills, the payback period is roughly 3 to 6 years, depending on system cost, your tariff band, and how much of the generation you use. After payback, the electricity is essentially free for the remaining panel lifetime (20–25 years).
What are net metering, net accounting, and net plus?
These are the three main grid-connection schemes for rooftop solar in Sri Lanka. Net metering offsets your usage unit-for-unit; net accounting pays you for excess units exported; net plus sells all generation to the grid at an agreed rate while you buy your usage separately. The best option depends on your consumption pattern.
Are the calculator's cost figures exact?
They are realistic market estimates. Actual prices vary with panel brand, inverter type, roof condition, and installer. Use the result as a benchmark, then obtain multiple written quotations before deciding.
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