Free tool · Updated for PH market prices
Solar Panel Cost & Payback Calculator Philippines
Find out how much a solar panel system costs in pesos, how much you can save on your Meralco or electric cooperative bill each month, and how many years until your system pays for itself.
Your details
≈ 400 kWh/month
Auto-suggested from your usage — tap a preset or type your own.
Exported excess earns a lower credit (~₱5–6/kWh); self-used power saves the full retail rate.
Affects estimated daily generation.
Your estimate
Monthly savings
₱4,509
Payback period
4.1 yrs
20-year net savings
₱862,160
Est. generation
432 kWh/mo
Breakeven: cumulative savings vs. system cost (₱220,000)
Estimates only. Assumes 80% system performance ratio, flat generation over 20 years, and constant electricity rates. Actual savings depend on roof orientation, shading, your distribution utility's rates, and installer pricing.
How much do solar panels cost in the Philippines?
As of recent market pricing, a fully installed grid-tied residential solar system in the Philippines typically costs ₱45–₱75 per watt, depending on equipment brand, roof type, and location. That puts the total solar panel price for common system sizes in these ranges:
| System size | Typical installed cost | Est. monthly output | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 kW | ₱60,000 – ₱90,000 | ~135 kWh | Small homes, lights + ref + fan |
| 3 kW | ₱150,000 – ₱230,000 | ~405 kWh | Average household, 1 aircon |
| 5 kW | ₱230,000 – ₱350,000 | ~675 kWh | Larger homes, 2 aircons |
| 10 kW | ₱420,000 – ₱650,000 | ~1,350 kWh | Big homes / small business |
How does a solar panel work?+
Sunlight strikes the photovoltaic cells inside a solar panel, which convert that light into direct current (DC) electricity. An inverter then changes this DC power into alternating current (AC) — the type your home appliances and the grid use. If net metering is enabled, any excess power your home doesn't consume flows back out through your meter to the grid, earning you credit on your electricity bill.
How does net metering work in the Philippines?+
Under the Philippines' Net Metering program (RA 9513), qualified residential and commercial systems up to 100 kW can export excess solar power to the grid. Your distribution utility (e.g. Meralco or your electric cooperative) credits exported energy on your bill — but the export credit rate is based on the generation cost (roughly ₱5–6/kWh), which is lower than the full retail rate you pay (often ₱11–14/kWh). That's why self-consuming your solar power during the day saves you more per kWh than exporting it.
What affects solar panel payback period in the Philippines?+
The main drivers are: (1) your electricity rate — higher ₱/kWh rates mean faster payback; (2) system cost per watt — quotes vary widely between installers and equipment tiers; (3) daytime consumption — homes that use power while the sun shines self-consume more, saving the full retail rate; and (4) sun hours in your region — the Philippines averages 4–5 peak sun hours daily, with Mindanao slightly sunnier on average than Luzon. Typical payback for a well-priced residential system is 4–7 years, against panels warranted for 20–25 years.
Is a 5kW solar system enough for a Filipino household?+
A 5kW system generates roughly 600–700 kWh per month under average Philippine conditions. That's a good match for households with monthly bills of around ₱6,000–₱9,000, typically homes running one or two air conditioners, a refrigerator, and usual appliances. If your usage is mostly at night, consider sizing for daytime loads or adding battery storage, since exported power earns less than the retail rate you avoid by self-consuming.
Do solar panel prices include installation?+
The per-watt figures above are for fully installed grid-tied systems — panels, inverter, mounting, wiring, and labor. Off-grid or hybrid systems with batteries cost significantly more because of battery storage. Always confirm whether a quote includes net metering application assistance, permits, and roof work, as these can add to the total.
Solar Panel Cost & Payback Calculator Philippines — a free self-serve estimation tool. We don't sell systems or connect you with installers; figures are indicative market ranges for guidance only.