As your solar system generates electricity from sunlight, you’re able buy a lot less less from the grid. The time it takes for your utility bill savings to offset the rather chunky cost of a solar system is a very popular topic for discussion.
The payoff period depends on how much you pay for regular electricity, as well as any tax incentives that are available in your area that might reduce the total cost of a system. In Houston, where we are based, there are virtually no local incentives and energy is pretty cheap, so a system will typically pay for itself in 8-9 years. This number has been shrinking rapidly as solar becomes more commonplace (i.e. less expensive to manufacture), and energy costs increase. In places like California and Hawaii, a solar system can pay for itself in 2 or 3 years!