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.
How this solar savings calculator works
The calculator converts your monthly CEB 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 CEB schemes in Sri Lanka (2026)
CEB 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 — CEB tariffs rise faster than solar cost falls. Choose Tier-1 panels with 25-year linear performance warranty. Insist on a European or Chinese Tier-1 inverter with 10-year warranty. Run heavy loads (AC, iron, dishwasher) during solar hours to consume more of what you generate. Compare quotes from three CEB-approved installers on Findit.lk 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 CEB 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 much does a solar system cost in Sri Lanka?
In 2026, a rooftop solar system in Sri Lanka costs roughly Rs. 250,000–350,000 per kW installed, including panels, inverter, mounting and grid-tie approvals. A typical 5 kW home system runs Rs. 1.25M–1.75M. Prices vary by brand (Longi, Jinko, Canadian Solar) and inverter type (Huawei, Growatt, SolarEdge).
How much can I save with solar in Sri Lanka?
A well-sized system can eliminate 80–100% of your electricity bill under CEB's net-accounting or net-plus schemes. On a Rs. 20,000 monthly bill, that's Rs. 200,000+ savings per year, giving payback in 6–8 years with the system lasting 20–25 years.
What is the payback period for solar in Sri Lanka?
Typical payback is 5–8 years for homes and 3–5 years for businesses with higher tariffs. Payback depends on your CEB tariff block (higher blocks pay back faster), roof orientation, and whether you use net-metering, net-accounting or net-plus. After payback, electricity is essentially free for another 15+ years.
Net metering, net accounting or net plus — which is best?
Net Plus pays you cash for every unit exported to the grid at a set tariff — best if you generate more than you consume. Net Accounting credits export to your bill and pays cash for annual surplus — best for homes with matched consumption. Net Metering just banks credit and forfeits surplus at year end. Ask your installer to model all three for your bill pattern.
Do I need a battery for home solar in Sri Lanka?
Not for grid-tied systems — the grid acts as your battery via net metering. Batteries only make sense if you have frequent outages or want off-grid resilience. Batteries roughly double the system cost and are typically only worth it for critical loads.
Which solar company is best in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka has 100+ CEB-approved solar installers. Choose one with at least 5 years of trading history, CEB approval, in-house electricians, and a written 10+ year performance warranty on panels and inverter. Compare quotes from three installers before signing — quality and price vary widely.
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